November 23, 2024
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Police net OxyContin, cash in UM bust

ORONO – A freshman at the University of Maine was arrested on the second day of classes for alleged possession of more than 100 OxyContin pills and stolen property.

Kailie A. Brackett, 20, of Perry was arrested and charged Tuesday with possession of a Schedule W drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, and receiving stolen property, according to Noel March, UM Public Safety director.

University police searched Brackett’s dormitory room in Stodder Hall early Tuesday morning and discovered the OxyContin, more than $3,000 in cash, stolen debit and identification cards, and other items, March said Tuesday.

Several residents of the dormitory recently reported items missing from their rooms, and a number of students were aware of alleged drug activity in Brackett’s room, March said.

Brackett, who moved into the hall last Friday, is on probation, he said.

The student was charged in January with the burglary of a home in Perry and was indicted by a Washington County grand jury in March for aggravated forgery and violation of condition of release.

Brackett’s violation of the university’s Student Conduct Code is under review and could affect her status as a student and campus resident, according to Robert Dana, dean of students.

UM has a zero-tolerance policy on illegal drugs and abuse of prescription drugs such as OxyContin, Dana said.

“OxyContin is a scourge both across the country and now in Maine,” he said Tuesday. “It’s a dangerous drug and we don’t want students even thinking about experimenting.”

OxyContin sells on the street for at least $25 per tablet, according to the federal Drug Enforcement Administration’s Web site, making the seizure in Brackett’s room worth more than $2,500.

University police have seen limited use of the drug on campus, March said.

Students’ cooperation in Brackett’s case, however, indicates dormitory residents have little tolerance for illegal activity in their halls, March said.

“Drugs and theft are not a fit for living as a community,” March said.


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