Following a shooting incident by suspects in multiple vehicles last month, Portland police say they have uncovered a drug trafficking ring in Cumberland County.
They say searches on homes in Portland, Gray and New Gloucester involving over 100 law enforcement officials have resulted in the seizure of six guns, 400 grams of cocaine and tens of thousands of dollars. Interim Assistant Chief Robert Martin said at a press conference Tuesday that the operation was run by teenagers ranging in age from 16 to 19.
"The sophistication of this drug trafficking network and the level of violence that we have connected with this group of youthful individuals is troubling," he said. "This lump of drugs and the number of guns, you know, we don't see that usually in adults. I mean, this is really an anomaly, for these kids to be this organized, have this much money."
Police indicate that at least three 17-year-olds have been taken into custody. Prosecutors have already charged one of them reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon.
