Three people were arrested in a major drug bust near a preschool in Bangor

BANGOR – After a month-long investigation, the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency's North Central Task Force arrested three people on felony drug trafficking charges Wednesday, Oct. 2.

The arrests of Brandon Bautista, 25, Lacey Sockabasin, 28, and William Wright, 31, all of Bangor, resulted from an investigation into suspected drug trafficking at a residence at 247 Ohio Street.

Controlled purchases of fentanyl from Bautista led to the execution of a search warrant by MDEA agents with assistance from the Bangor Police Department and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

During the raid, law enforcement officers seized over 10 pounds of methamphetamine, 3.5 pounds of fentanyl, 2 pounds of cocaine, three handguns and more than $120,000 in suspected drug proceeds.

The estimated street value of the drugs is over $750,000.

The presence of firearms and the large amount of drugs, as well as the proximity to Hilltop Pre-School directly across the street, contributed to the aggravated drug trafficking charges.

Wright had already been released on bail for previous serious trafficking offenses involving cocaine base and fentanyl.

Bautista, Sockabasin and Wright are scheduled to be arraigned on Friday, October 4, at which time bail will be set.

In an effort to combat drug distribution in Maine, the MDEA encourages anyone with information about illegal drug sales to contact their local MDEA office or use the hotline identified in its news release.

They also remind the public that individuals suffering from a substance use disorder can find resources by calling 211 or texting their zip code to 898-211.