Three arrested on drug charges in Canaan

CANAAN, ME — Three people were arrested on drug charges early Thursday following a suspicious activity complaint on Shady Lane.

Deputies responded to the scene at approximately 1:11 a.m. on Feb. 12 and found a Nissan Altima off the road with three male occupants inside.

The occupants were identified as Joel Sweetser, 36, a transient from the Bangor area, Austin Wing, 29, who recently moved to Maine from South Carolina, and a 17-year-old juvenile.

Deputies observed an open alcoholic beverage container between the legs of Sweetser while speaking with the occupants.

Sweetser was arrested in January in Penobscot County for OUI and has bail conditions which allow for searches of his person and vehicle.

A search of the vehicle was conducted, and 24.6 grams of methamphetamine was located.

Deputies searched Sweetser and found no illegal drugs on his person.

Deputies searched the juvenile and located 34 grams of methamphetamine.

Deputies searched Wing and found him to be in possession of illegal drugs.

Sweetser was arrested and charged with aggravated trafficking in schedule drugs, a Class A felony, and violation of conditions of release, a Class E misdemeanor.

Sweetser is currently being held at the Somerset County Jail without bail.

Sweetser’s initial court appearance is scheduled for May 6 at 8:30 a.m. at the Somerset County Unified Criminal Court.

The juvenile was issued a summons for unlawful trafficking in scheduled drugs, a Class B felony.

The juvenile was released to their guardian after a juvenile community corrections officer was contacted and conditions of release were set.

Wing was issued a summons for possession of scheduled drugs, a Class D misdemeanor, and released from the scene.

Wing’s initial court appearance is scheduled for July 8 at 8:30 a.m. at the Somerset County Unified Criminal Court.