SANFORD — In a significant blow to local drug trafficking, the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency (MDEA) and Sanford Police announced the arrest of a Sanford man for aggravated trafficking in fentanyl following the execution of a high-risk search warrant on Tuesday, Jan. 21.
John Leroy Gray, 44, of Sanford, faces two counts of aggravated trafficking in Schedule W Drugs (Fentanyl), Class A, with bail set at $25,000 cash.
The operation also led to the arrest of five additional individuals on various outstanding warrants after they were found at the search warrant residence.
The arrests are the culmination of a month-long investigation by the MDEA York District Task Force and the Sanford Police Department, sparked by citizen complaints and community tips about illegal drug activity at 8 York Street.
Undercover purchases of fentanyl from Gray, who resides at the address, were part of the operation.
At approximately 9:30 a.m., authorities executed the search warrant at the single-family home to apprehend Gray on felony drug trafficking warrants.
Given the severity of the charges and suspected possession of firearms, the Southern Maine Special Response Team was deployed to ensure the safety of the neighborhood and officers.
Seventeen individuals were detained at the residence during the raid, including Gray, who was arrested without incident.
Those without outstanding warrants were identified and released at the scene, while the six listed arrestees were transported to York County Jail.
A search of the premises yielded approximately 40 grams of fentanyl, $1,800 in suspected drug proceeds, and evidence of illegal drug trafficking.
Although four realistic pellet-type handguns were found, no actual firearms were discovered.
Arrest photos are available through the York County Jail.
The MDEA collaborated with multiple agencies in this investigation, including the Sanford Police Department, Sanford Fire/Rescue, Sanford Police Animal Control, York County Sheriff’s Office, FBI Safe Street Task Force, DEA, and the City of Sanford Code Enforcement.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
The MDEA continues its commitment to working with law enforcement partners to dismantle drug trafficking organizations distributing illicit drugs like fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine in Maine.
Community members with information about illegal drug sales are encouraged to contact the Maine Drug Enforcement office, text MDEA to TIP411 (847411), or call the MDEA tip-line at 1-800-452-6457.