Heroin and Cocaine Arrests in Hancock County

Two people from Hancock County have been arrested following a joint investigation into the distribution of heroin and crack cocaine in the town of Gouldsboro. Drug Agents from Maine Drug Enforcement Agency’s Downeast Task Force in Ellsworth and the Gouldsboro Police Department have been investigating the sale of drugs in the town for several months which included the undercover purchase of heroin. 

Wednesday afternoon, agents took Sherman Merchant, 32, of Gouldsboro into custody outside a convenience store in the Town of Hancock. Also arrested there was his girlfriend, Jade Giger, 30, also of Gouldsboro. Both were transported to the Hancock County Jail.

Investigators say Merchant has so far been charged with Class B Trafficking in Schedule W drugs for heroin and crack cocaine and Violation of Conditions of Release. Bail was set at $5,000 cash.

Giger has been charged with Class C possession of a Schedule W Drug for crack. Her bail has been set at $1,000 cash.

Following the arrests, Merchant’s home at 777 South Gouldsboro Road in Gouldsboro was searched by officers from Gouldsboro Police, Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, MDEA and State Police. Approximately 12 grams of heroin, 4 grams of crack cocaine and $3,500 in suspected drug proceeds were seized.

Agents say the street value of the drugs seized is approximately $4,000.