BIDDEFORD — A second individual has been charged in connection with the May 1 seizure of more than seven pounds of the powerful opioid fentanyl, the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency announced Monday.
Alyssa Staples, 23, of Biddeford, faces a charge of Unlawful Aggravated Trafficking in Schedule Drugs (Fentanyl), a Class A aggravated offense due to the total drug weights and possession of a firearm, according to the MDEA.
The arrest comes after Almuntadhar M. Mohammed was taken into custody on May 1 on drug trafficking warrants following an eight-month undercover operation in Cumberland and York counties.
A subsequent search of Mohammed’s apartment on Ray Street in Biddeford led to the discovery of the fentanyl stash, a loaded gun, and other evidence of drug trafficking activities.
Mohammed received additional charges on May 2, including five counts of Unlawful Aggravated Trafficking in Schedule W Drugs (Fentanyl) related to the drugs and firearm found at his residence.
Evidence from the Ray Street search implicated Staples, who shares the apartment with Mohammed and is in a domestic relationship with him, in the drug trafficking operation.
Staples has been charged by summons and is scheduled for an initial court appearance on July 30 at York Unified Court.
The MDEA has indicated that the investigation is ongoing and more arrests and charges are expected.
The agency continues its efforts to combat the distribution of illicit substances such as fentanyl and methamphetamine across Maine.
