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Winthrop man charged with trafficking cocaine, fentanyl after traffic stop


Maine drug agents arrested a Winthrop man as part of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation.

Shannon Moss with Maine’s Department of Public Safety says 46-year-old John Katula was arrested and faces several charges for trafficking cocaine, fentanyl and violating bail conditions.

Agents searched Katula’s vehicle Wednesday night, which they were allowed to do without probable cause as part of his bail conditions. They said they were aware he had an expired driver’s license. He was stopped in Alfred, where he presented a fake driver’s license to troopers.

A search of his vehicle resulted in the seizure of 240 grams of fentanyl, 80 grams of cocaine, 5 grams cocaine base and 2.9 grams of methamphetamine — coming out to an estimated street value of $45,000.

Katula was taken to York County Jail where he awaits his initial court appearance. No bail was set due to his bail violation.

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