WESTBROOK, ME — The Maine Drug Enforcement Agency arrested two people on aggravated drug trafficking charges following a traffic stop Thursday.
Amanuel A. Sentayehu, 29, of Westbrook was charged with aggravated trafficking in scheduled “W” drugs (cocaine base).
Aria A. Pomerleau, 30, of Bridgton was charged with aggravated trafficking in scheduled “W” drugs (cocaine base) and falsifying physical evidence, as well as two outstanding arrest warrants for failure to appear.
MDEA agents from the Cumberland District Task Force initiated an investigation Thursday at a hotel on the Portland/Westbrook line after receiving information from the public about suspected drug trafficking at the location.
Agents coordinated with the Westbrook Police Department and Portland Police Department’s Crime Reduction Unit to monitor the area.
Two individuals were identified as they entered a vehicle and left the location, and Westbrook police stopped the vehicle on Larrabee Road.
During a roadside investigation, agents and Westbrook police observed several suspicious items in plain view.
Agents seized 363 grams of suspected cocaine base (crack), approximately $20,000 in suspected drug proceeds and several other items indicative of drug trafficking.
Cocaine base currently sells for between $80 and $120 per gram on the street.
Sentayehu was transported to the Cumberland County Jail and is being held on $15,000 cash bail.
Pomerleau was also transported to the Cumberland County Jail and is being held on $32,500 cash bail.
Both are expected to make their first court appearance Friday.
