LEWISTON — A Massachusetts man was arrested for aggravated trafficking of fentanyl in Lewiston, the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency announced Friday.
Jonathan E. Paige, 34, of Boston, faces charges of Unlawful Aggravated Trafficking in Schedule Drugs, Class A, after being apprehended by MDEA agents and the Lewiston Police Department’s Crime Reduction Unit.
This arrest follows several weeks of targeted enforcement in response to community concerns over drug trafficking and related safety issues.
On May 9, during an afternoon operation, Paige was observed engaging in what agents identified as a drug transaction on the 100 block of Sabattus Street.
When approached by law enforcement, Paige attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended.
During his attempted escape, Paige discarded a bag which was later confirmed to contain fentanyl.
Paige is currently held at the Androscoggin Jail with bail set at $10,000 cash.
The arrest led to the seizure of over half a pound (310 grams) of fentanyl, with an estimated street value of $30,000.
The MDEA and local authorities will persist in their proactive enforcement efforts throughout Lewiston.
