News

SWAT Team Used for Westbrook Drug Trafficking Arrest


A 41-year-old Westbrook man faces felony drug trafficking charges after officers specially trained for violence were brought in to make his arrest Thursday.

The Maine Drug Enforcement Agency says they were tipped off about illegal drug sales at 43 Rochester Street.

They say agents viewed activity that appeared to be illegal drug sales at what they say were “all hours of the day and night” in an apartment at the same address.

Officers say they conducted an ongoing investigation in which agents made several several undercover purchases of illegal drugs from Christopher Ciprian at his Rochester Street apartment.

Police say they obtained a “high risk” search warrant and brought in the specially trained SWAT team like Cumberland County Emergency Services Unit to arrest  Ciprian at the apartment at 9:30 am Thursday.

Officers say the heavy gear was used because of the possibility Ciprian was armed and to minimize the risk to Rochester Street residents and law enforcement personnel.

Ciprian now faces charges of Trafficking in Schedule W Drugs (Fentanyl) (2) Counts, Class B and Felony Possession of Schedule Drugs (Fentanyl) (2) Counts, Class C

His bail is set at $10,000 cash.

Westbrook Police assisted with Ciprian’s arrest.

Latest Headlines

33 minutes ago in Local

Man Accused of Threatening to Detonate Bomb During Bangor Burglary

Fresh

Officers say they found the suspect inside a closed business in Bangor

1 hour ago in Local

CMP Transformer Move to Delay Traffic Through Scarborough

Fresh

Drivers are asked to plan alternate routes and expect delays.

2 hours ago in Local

Standish woman accused of fatally shooting boyfriend appears in court

A Standish woman charged with murder for the shooting death of her boyfriend made her first court appearance on Monday.

2 hours ago in Local

Police looking for leads after drive-by shooting damages Auburn home

There were no injuries but a home was struck by gunfire during a drive-by shooting in Auburn over the weekend.

10 hours ago in Local

Former Maine CDC Director Shah Running for Governor

He joins a crowded field of candidates trying to replace Governor Janet Mills, who is term limited.