Portland cocaine raid nets possible murder suspect from Massachusetts

PORTLAND – Police and drug agents who used flash grenades during a raid on an apartment building in the city’s West End say the bust may have netted a suspect in a Boston murder.

A man who was caught trying to deliver more than 2 pounds of cocaine hours after the bust was being questioned about his possible involvement in the slaying, police said.

U.S. marshals and Boston police planned to question Juan Martinez, 27, who they believe was using an alias when he was arrested.

The Wednesday night raid by Portland police and the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency came after months of investigation after a tip by neighbors about drug dealing at the building on Brackett Street, across from the Reiche School playground.

The occupants of the apartment, Patrick Goggins, 22, and Landon Schoonmaker, 21, were being held in the Cumberland County Jail after their arrest on charges of aggravated trafficking in cocaine.

Police seized nearly $100,000 worth of crack and powdered cocaine as well as digital scales, three loaded guns, a money-counting machine and a floor safe containing $18,000 in cash.

An additional 2 pounds of cocaine was found in Martinez’s car, police said.

Portland police Lt. Vern Malloch said it was “one of the largest drug seizures I’ve seen in Portland.”

Members of the Portland police tactical team tossed two explosive devices known as “flashbangs” into the house to disorient Goggins and Schoonmaker. The devices emit a superbright light and a loud explosion meant to deafen and blind suspects temporarily.

Malloch said there was so much activity at the house that customers came to buy drugs at the apartment while police were searching the place. Two of those people – Thomas Sargent, 31, and Tammy Brown, 29, both of Portland – were arrested and charged with possession of cocaine.

Malloch said police knew Martinez was coming to the house, and they contacted the Reiche School as a precaution. School officials were told to keep students indoors during the morning.

“It was early enough in the morning that no school activities were interrupted,” Malloch said.