MAINE: Several Arrested After Nearly a Quarter Million Dollars Worth of Cocaine Found in Car

Several Maine men have been arrested following what is being called a 'months-long' investigation by the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and the US Drug Enforcement Administration.

According to a press release from Maine Department of Public Safety, a vehicle was pulled over early on Tuesday morning on Interstate 95 near Newport.

Moss went on to say in part,

Over the past several months, U.S. Postal Inspectors have been working alongside MDEA and USDEA agents assigned to the North Central Task Force in Bangor on an investigation involving the suspected distribution of significant quantities of cocaine being distributed throughout Penobscot County and elsewhere. During this investigation, investigators identified 28-year-old Chase Kane of Bangor as a main suspect in this trafficking organization.

Early on Tuesday morning, a vehicle being operated by Kane was stopped on I-95 just north of Newport. Moss says that in the vehicle with Kane at the time of the stop was 27-year-old Benjamin Hughes of Brewer. Following a subsequent search of Kane’s car, officers say they made a shocking discovery of more than four pounds of cocaine. Police say that the drugs carry an estimated street value in excess of $200,000.

Moss reported that Kane and Hughes were taken to the Penobscot County Jail where they were then charged with Class A  Aggravated Trafficking in Schedule W Drugs . This charge was elevated to aggravated due to the quantity of drugs that were seized. Additionally, Kane was charged with Violations of Conditions of Release as he was currently  out on bail for a non-related offense.

Following the arrest of Kane and Hughes, investigators executed a search warrant at 315 Griffin Road in Bangor. During the search, agents seized more illicit drugs, firearms, and cash. Arrested during the search was 30-year-old Hayden Taylor of Brewer after he was found to be in possession of a backpack containing cocaine, $3000 in suspected drug proceeds and a loaded semi-automatic handgun.

Taylor is a convicted felon and because of that he is prohibited from carrying guns. he was then taken to the Penobscot County Jail where he was charged with Class A, Aggravated Trafficking in Schedule W Drugs and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person, Moss said in the release.

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