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

12 hours ago in Local

Potentially Deadly Virus in Dogs Reportedly Spiking in Parts of Maine

Parvovirus is also referred to as parvo, and typically affects puppies and unvaccinated dogs.

13 hours ago in Local

Sen Collins Behind Bill to Cap Monthly Insulin Costs at $35

Collins says it would directly address the root problems in the insulin market that are driving high list prices.

16 hours ago in Local

Skowhegan town manager who died last week was being investigated for sexual exploitation

The town manager in Skowhegan was under investigation for sexual exploitation before his death.

16 hours ago in Local

New Aldi to open in Portland on Thursday

The first Aldi's location in Maine is opening in Portland Thursday morning.

22 hours ago in Sports, Trending

March Madness: Here’s one thing you need to know about each of the 16 teams remaining in men’s field

Florida isn't around to defend its title anymore, but all the other top seeds in this year's NCAA Tournament are still around. And many of them are winning convincingly.