The Augusta Police Department made a major drug bust on Dec. 1, arresting 5 people and seizing over $18,000 worth of heroin and crack cocaine.

According to a release from Augusta Police Lt. Christopher Massey, at approximately 4:30PM, the Augusta Police and the Maine DEA executed a search warrant at 3 Crosby Street Place.

"The warrant was granted based on facts gathered during our investigation involving the sale and distribution of illegal drugs," Massey said. "Approximately 62 grams of crack cocaine, 62 grams of heroin, 8 Oxycontin pills and $2,500 in cash were seized during the execution of the warrant. The street value of the heroin is estimated at $12,000, the crack cocaine street value estimate is $6,100 and the Oxycontin pills' street value estimate is $320."

Massey said Todd Collins, 30, of Augusta, was arrested and charged with one count of unlawful possession of heroin. He was being held on cash bail. Corey Vannah, 27, of Augusta, was arrested and charged with 7 counts of aggravated trafficking in scheduled drugs and unlawful possession of crack cocaine and heroin. He was being held on $25,000 cash bail.

 

 

Police also arrested Christine Thayer, 28, of Augusta, and charged her with 3 counts of aggravated trafficking in crack cocaine and heroin. She was being held on $10,000 cash bail. Mario Gordon, 34, of New York City, was arrested and charged with 2 counts of aggravated trafficking in scheduled drugs, unlawful possession of scheduled drugs (crack cocaine, heroin and Oxycontin) and criminal forfeiture. He was being held on $50,000 cash bail.

Police also arrested April Meserve, 33, of Waterville. She was charged with unlawful possession of heroin. Meserve was issued a summons and released from the scene, Massey said.

According to Massey, a vehicle was also stopped in connection to the above address as the warrant was executed. The operator of the vehicle, Michelle Benavidez, 35, of Augusta was taken into custody on an arrest warrant for failing to pay a fine/fees .

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