As the drug epidemic continues to intensify not just in Maine, but across the United States, local police are doing everything they can to keep deadly drugs, and the people who sell them, off of the streets.

A Maine teen is in custody following what police say was a witnessed drug transaction on Monday afternoon.

According to an article published by WGME 13, police say they witnessed a drug deal in Portland on Monday afternoon involving 18-year-old, Cole Swan.

Swan, of Yarmouth, was allegedly involved in the drug deal that took place at around 4:30 Monday afternoon in the area of 55 Portland Street, WGME reported.

Officers initially attempted to apprehend Swan but he fled from them on foot.

Officers gave chase and Swan was eventually taken into custody in the vicinity of 58 Alder Street in Portland.

Portland Police say that when they took Swan into custody he had a loaded firearm as well as 2 grams of suspected crack cocaine and an undisclosed amount of cash.

Portland Police subsequently charged the 18-year-old with multiple felonies including aggravated trafficking of scheduled drugs as well as refusing to submit to arrest or detention, WGME stated.

This is a developing story that we will continue to keep updated if and when more information is released regarding the alleged crimes and/or the suspect in the case.

All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction in Maine, call 211 for help.

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