As part of an ongoing investigation into the distribution of fentanyl in Hancock and Penobscot Counties, two women from Lawrence, Massachusetts were arrested last night in Bangor while attempting to distribute a significant amount of the deadly drug. This seizure comes on the heels of a report that 2022 marked the deadliest year in Maine’s history for fentanyl-related overdose deaths.
Maine State Police:
For the past year, the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency has been investigating a Lawrence, Massachusetts-based drug trafficking organization responsible for the distribution of record amounts of fentanyl throughout Hancock, Somerset, Piscataquis, and Penobscot Counties. In October of 2022, as part of this case, MDEA’s Downeast Task Force identified traffickers in Hancock County who were allegedly being supplied by this group. As part of the Downeast Task Force case, a number of undercover purchases of fentanyl and methamphetamine were conducted from local sources of the drugs.
Last night February 3, 2023, MDEA investigators were able to identify a rental vehicle, containing two women from the Lawrence, Massachusetts area, who had entered the State of Maine in order to distribute more fentanyl to Hancock and Penobscot Counties. At approximately 10:00 pm, with the assistance of the Bangor Police Department, this car was stopped on Union Street in Bangor.
Following a search of the vehicle, agents located a significant amount of suspected fentanyl hidden in the engine compartment of the rental vehicle. In total, 1.4 pounds (628 grams), with an
estimated street value exceeding $94,000 was seized from the pair. In addition, over $5000 in suspected drug proceeds was also located in the car and seized by investigators.
Arrested were Krismely Guzman, 24, and Eri Geilys Polanco Caceres, 22, both of Lawrence, MA. Bail was set at $100,000 cash.
This investigation is continuing, and more arrests are likely.
