New York Man Charged in Major Heroin, Cocaine Bust in Bangor

A New York City man was arrested early Friday morning in Bangor on charges of selling heroin and crack cocaine from local motels.  

The Maine Drug Enforcement Agency executed a search warrant on a Bangor motel room and seized nearly 40 grams of heroin, an ounce of crack cocaine and nearly $10,000 in cash, according to MDEA Commander Peter Arno. The street value of the drugs is estimated to be about $25,000.

A few hours earlier, Bangor Police had taken 40-year-old Juan A. Rivera into custody after stopping his vehicle for a traffic violation. Rivera was charged with Aggravated Trafficking in Schedule W drugs and taken to the Penobscot County Jail following his arrest.  He will likely make an initial court appearance Friday in Bangor.

It is the second time this week that the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency has taken into custody suspects from New York and charged them with selling drugs in Bangor.

Arno said the investigation highlights the growing problem associated with out-of-state drug dealers relocating to cities and towns in Maine.

At this point in the investigation, he said, it does not appear that Rivera was connected with the two other New York City men who were arrested earlier this week.

The MDEA received substantial assistance from Bangor and State Police. Arno says the investigation is continuing and more arrests are likely.