The Aroostook County Sheriff’s Office and MDEA are seeking a 25-year-old Mapleton man on felony drug charges for allegedly manufacturing methamphetamine.

Aroostook County Sheriff's Office
Aroostook County Sheriff's Office
loading...

On Friday, April 1, around 8:30 p.m., Sheriff’s Deputies received word of a possible theft in Caribou, and were given the description and plate number of a black Toyota Camry believed to be involved, according to Sheriff Darrell Crandall. Deputies stopped the vehicle a short time later on US Route 1 in North Caribou. The car was being operated by 25-year-old Mitchell Hanning of Mapleton and there were two passengers with him, Crandall said in a press release Thursday.

Deputies determined there was probable cause to search the vehicle and located several items consistent with the use and manufacture of methamphetamine, as well as a loaded handgun hidden under the seat, Crandall said. They also found a cooler and backpacks that had been secured with padlocks and a locked safe. Hanning was charged with operating after suspension, and the vehicle was towed away and secured pending further investigation.

Maine Drug Enforcement agents who executed a search warrant on the vehicle this week say they found the components and materials necessary to make methamphetamine as well as three “one pot” vessels that were previously used to make the drug. They also discovered various other types of drugs in the safe, that have yet to be formally identified, Sheriff Crandall stated.

The firearm was later found to be stolen, but is not associated with the reported theft that triggered the investigation.

The Sheriff’s Office and MDEA are actively seeking 25-year-old Mitchell Hanning of Mapleton, who made bail on the OAS offense before the drug investigation was complete. Crandall said Thursday there is now probable cause for his arrest on felony drug charges.

The Sheriff’s Office is encouraging Hanning to make arrangements to turn himself in. If you know where Hanning might be, you are asked to please contact Aroostook County Crimestoppers at 1-800-638-TIPS (8477). You may also text the information to 207-538-TIPS (8477).

The criminal investigation is ongoing and others may face charges, Crandall said.

More From