Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and Fryeburg Police Investigation Leads to Drug Trafficking Arrest

Photo byMaine Department of Public Safety Spokesperson Shannon Moss

Photo byMaine Department of Public Safety Spokesperson Shannon Moss

According to Maine Department of Public Safety Public Information Officer, Shannon Moss, police officers from the Fryeburg Police Department have investigated the illegal distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine from a residence at 107 Portland Street in Fryeburg for the past year. After the Fryeburg Police received tips from the public that suspicious activity was occurring at the Portland Street residence, officers began an investigation.

Fryeburg officers conducted a traffic stop in the afternoon on Friday, July 26, 2024, after they conducted surveillance at 107 Portland Street. The officers stopped Kevin L. Thurston, 50, of Bridgton. Officers seized 80 grams of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine during the stop, along with assorted prescription pills, a loaded handgun, and $3,321.00 in suspected drug proceeds. Thurston was arrested and transported to Oxford County Jail, with his bail set at $10,000 cash. Thurston was charged with unlawful aggravated trafficking in Schedule Drugs, (fentanyl) (methamphetamine) (cocaine) Class A and unlawful possession of a firearm by a prohibited person (Class C)

Maine Drug Enforcement Agency agents from the Western Task Force District assisted in drafting a search warrant for 107 Portland Street, with Fryeburg Police and the Maine State Police also assisting in securing and executing the search warrant.

Upon a search of 107 Portland Street, law enforcement seized approximately 60 grams of fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and assorted prescription pills and capsules. Also seized were six firearms. 

The homeowner was not present at the time of the search warrant. Charges related to the seized contraband will be forthcoming. The investigation is ongoing, and additional arrests are expected.

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

The MDEA stands committed to working with all federal, state, county, and local law enforcement partners to continue to identify and disrupt drug trafficking organizations that are attempting to distribute illicit drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine in the State of Maine.

If you or someone you know suffers from a substance use disorder, please call 211 or text your zip code to 898-211 for a list of resources available in your area.

If you have information about this investigation or the illegal sale of drugs in your community, you are urged to contact the Maine Drug Enforcement office closest to you by texting MDEA to TIP411 (847411) or by calling the MDEA tip line at 1-800-452-6457.