80-Year-Old Maine Man Charged Following Belfast Drug Trafficking

Two men are facing charges following what Maine drug agents describe as a months-long trafficking investigation in Belfast.

According to the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, the investigation focused on 80-year-old Larry Metcalf of Swanville and 21-year-old Eduin Chala-Ramirez of Boston.

Authorities say that on Wednesday, MDEA agents were watching as Metcalf picked up Chala-Ramirez at a Belfast bus station after he arrived from Boston. Shortly after the pickup, agents, with help from the Belfast Police Department and the Waldo County Sheriff’s Office, stopped the vehicle.

According to WGME, a K-9 was brought in to search the car, and officials say the search led to the discovery of approximately 55 grams of fentanyl and 250 grams of cocaine on Chala-Ramirez. The drugs have an estimated street value of around $29,100.

Chala-Ramirez was arrested and taken to the Waldo County Jail. His bail was set at $25,000 as he awaits a court appearance.

Metcalf was not taken to jail, but officials say he was issued a summons. He is expected to appear in Waldo County Superior Court on August 5.

The MDEA says the case remains under investigation, and additional arrests are expected.