Houlton man arrested for trafficking after police find meth and $18,000 in vehicle

3 years ago

HOULTON, Maine — A Houlton man has been arrested on drug trafficking charges after police seized 50 grams of methamphetamine and more than $18,000 in cash.

Derek Nickerson, 36, of Houlton was arrested Aug 18 and charged with trafficking in Schedule W drugs, assault on an officer, refusal to submit to arrest, falsifying physical evidence and violations of conditions of release, the Houlton Police Department reported on Sept. 23.

At around 9 p.m. on Aug. 18, Houlton Police Sgt. Travis Smith noted Nickerson’s vehicle operating erratically at a traffic stop on Main Street. Smith saw signs of drug use in the vehicle and described Nickerson as uncooperative, refusing commands and attempting to hide evidence, police said.

Nickerson allegedly lunged at Smith and both fell to the ground, but Smith was subdued by a taser, police said. A vehicle search revealed 50 grams of methamphetamine and about $18,106 in cash, which police seized.

The department did not report the incident until Thursday due to the continuing investigation, Houlton Police Chief Tim DeLuca said. 

Nickerson was transported to the Aroostook County Jail upon his arrest. He has since been released on bail.