Maine DEA Seizes Enough Suspected Fentanyl to Kill 500,000 People

According to a press release from the Maine Department of Public Safety, members of law enforcement seized a massive amount of drugs in a Tuesday drug bust in Bangor.

The press release explains that the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency’s North Central District Task Force carried out a search warrant at an apartment on Sidney Street in Bangor.

The warrant came after a months-long investigation into fentanyl and cocaine trafficking that included several undercover fentanyl purchases.

Inside the apartment, agents say they seized a kilo of cocaine, a kilo of suspected fentanyl, more than 280 grams of crack cocaine, two handguns, and $36,000 in suspected drug proceeds.

According to the DEA website, that amount of fentanyl, should it be confirmed to be the deadly drug, would be enough to kill half a million people.

Arrested as a result of the raid were:

William Sanchez (39) of Waterbury, Connecticut – Class A Aggravated Trafficking Cocaine HCl, Cocaine Base and Fentanyl.  Bail was set at $150,000 Cash.

Eileen Chase (45) of Bangor, Maine. Class A Aggravated Trafficking Fentanyl.  Bail was set at $100,000 Cash.

Sanchez had reportedly been arrested prior to the raid and Chase was arrested on Wednesday.

Authorities say more arrests and charges are likely as the investigation continues..

The North Central Task Force was assisted in the operation by Bangor Police, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

***NOTE: All suspects are considered innocent until being found guilty in a court of law

The MDEA says they remain committed to working with federal, state, county, and local partners to target and disrupt drug trafficking operations that are bringing fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine into Maine communities.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use disorder, you can call 211 or text your zip code to 898-211 to get connected with local resources.

Anyone with information about this investigation, or about illegal drug sales in their community, is asked to contact the Maine Drug Enforcement office in their area. You can also text MDEA to TIP411 or call the tip line at 1-800-452-6457.