MDEA investigates
suspicious materials in Presque Isle
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Agents from the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency were back in town Monday, investigating what is described as another possible methamphetamine lab on Sunset Loop.
METH BUST 
— The Maine Drug Enforcement Agency was called to a home on Sunset Loop in Presque Isle, following the discovery by local firefighters and police Sunday night of suspicious materials in the home. A fire had been reported and items were discovered when officials went into the home to make sure the fire was out.
Unlike recent cases where agents suspected drug activity, authorities stumbled upon the latest case by accident.
“MDEA’s lab team searched a home on Sunset Loop in Presque Isle for evidence of a drug lab. The Presque Isle Fire Department responded to the home late Sunday night for a report of smoke in the basement. The fire was extinguished before they arrived, but firefighters and Officers Kevin Schumacher and Brian McQuarrie, Presque Isle Police Department, went ahead and checked the residence,” said Darrell Crandall, division commander of the MDEA.
The home is located in the former Bon Aire housing section of the Industrial Park, not far from Presque Isle Middle School and Northern Maine Community College.
It was at that time that officials discovered items that raised concern and the MDEA was notified.
“Items suspected to be involved with making drugs were seen and MDEA was called. The home was secured overnight, to allow agents to obtain a search warrant,” said Crandall.
Once they had a warrant, agents went into the home and began their investigation.
“The lab team searched and removed evidence for several hours,” Crandall said. As in prior cases, evidence has been sent to Augusta to confirm what exactly was found.
Also assisting at the scene were members of the Fire Marshal’s Office and the Department of Environmental Protection. Crandall said no one was injured in the fire and no one has yet been charged with a crime. The investigation will continue.
This marks the third incident in the area involving the illicit drug. In January, agents discovered evidence related to the making of meth at a Main Street home in Presque Isle. Two were arrested and charged with trafficking in that case: Ray Varney, 23, of Houlton, and Leland Alger, 28, of Presque Isle. A third man, Ronald Lewis, 21, of Littleton, is still being sought by law enforcement officers.
Earlier this month, three individuals in Easton were arrested for trafficking and possession of methamphetamine. They were: Lucy Allen, 28, Brian Holmes, 32, and Curtis Barnes, 32 — all of Easton.
In November, MDEA officials investigated an abandoned camper in Fort Fairfield, where evidence believed to be related to the manufacturing of bath salts was discovered. Officials are still awaiting the results of tests being conducted in Augusta to determine what exactly was found. The case remains under investigation.
“Anyone with information on drug activity is asked to call the MDEA Office in Houlton at 532-5169, their local police or they may also call Aroostook County Crimestoppers at 800-638-8477,” said Crandall.
