Maine DEA Arrests Massachusetts Man on Drug Trafficking Charges

According to a press release from the Maine Department of Public Safety's Shannon Moss, a Massachusetts man is facing aggravated drug trafficking charges after authorities say they found a large quantity of cocaine hidden inside his vehicle during an investigation in Belfast.

According to the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Waldo County Sheriff's Office, 31-year-old Juan Antonio Arias Almonte of Dorchester, Massachusetts, was arrested Wednesday, July 8, and charged with aggravated trafficking of Schedule W drugs.

Investigators say the arrest followed a months-long investigation by the MDEA Mid-Coast District Task Force and the Waldo County Sheriff's Office. During that time, agents received information that a man from Massachusetts had been traveling to the Belfast area to sell significant amounts of illegal narcotics. Authorities initially knew the suspect only by an alias and had not confirmed his identity.

On Wednesday, investigators received what they described as credible information indicating the suspect was traveling to Belfast with a large quantity of cocaine intended for distribution. Agents set up surveillance in the city and located the suspect in a Belfast parking lot after learning he had arrived.

Authorities identified the man as Almonte and searched his vehicle after confirming he was the individual under investigation.

During the search, agents say they discovered approximately 170 grams of cocaine concealed inside the vehicle's headliner. The drugs have an estimated street value of about $17,000, according to investigators.

Almonte was taken to the Waldo County Jail, where he is awaiting his initial court appearance. Authorities say his cash bail was set at $50,000.

The investigation remains ongoing, and officials say additional arrests are expected.

*NOTE - All suspects are considered innocent until being found guilty in a court of law