Auburn Police arrested three people during a drug bust April 4, on Country Club Drive.
Arrested were the home’s resident, 41-year-old Luke Merriam, 30-year-old Jessica Simmons of Gardiner, and 46-year-old Nathon Taylor of Augusta.
1,898 grams (4.2 pounds) of crystal methamphetamine, 331 grams of cocaine HCL, 144 grams of fentanyl, 73 grams of heroin, and 21 grams of cocaine base (crack) were seized.
The drugs seized have a street value of approximately $90,000.
From the Auburn Police Department:
Over the past several months, Auburn Police officers have been receiving complaints from members of the community regarding suspected drug activity taking place at a residence on Country Club Drive in Auburn. As a result, the Auburn Police Department’s Proactive Community Enforcement Unit (PACE) began an investigation connecting a resident of the home, known to police as 41-year-old Luke Merriam, to the illegal drug activity. Merriam is on an active bail contract for a drug trafficking charge that took place in November of 2024.
Based on the investigation and information received, the PACE Unit contacted Merriam at his home in order to conduct a bail compliance check. While officers were speaking with Merriam on the front steps, another male subject ran from the back of the house. Officers observed the male running through the wooded area carrying a backpack and officers gave chase. The male was apprehended by police and identified as 46-year-old Nathon Taylor of Augusta. Taylor was found hiding behind a storage shed attempting to destroy a large bag of cocaine. Officers quickly took Taylor into custody, locating several other large packages of illegal drugs.
Once the scene was secured, a search of the residence yielded more illegal drugs, digital scales, and other evidence of drug manufacturing and trafficking. In total, 1,898 grams (4.2 pounds) of crystal methamphetamine, 331 grams of cocaine HCL, 144 grams of fentanyl, 73 grams of heroin, and 21 grams of cocaine base (crack) were seized. The drugs seized have a street value of approximately $90,000.Merriam was placed under arrest, charged with five counts of Aggravated Trafficking Schedule Drugs, class A, three counts of Unlawful Possession of Schedule “W” Drugs, class B, two counts of Unlawful Possession of Schedule “W” Drugs, class C, and Violation of Conditions of Release, class E. Merriam was transported to the Androscoggin County Jail where he was being held without bail, awaiting an appearance before a judge.
Nathon Taylor was also arrested and charged with five counts of Aggravated Trafficking Schedule Drugs, class A, three counts of Unlawful Possession of Schedule “W” Drugs, class B, two counts of Unlawful Possession of Schedule “W” Drugs, class C, Assault, class D, Refusing to Submit to Arrest or Detention, class E, and Violation of Conditions of Release, class E. The assault charge was added after Tyler had spat in an officer’s face while being booked at the county jail. Taylor is also being held at the Androscoggin County Jail without bail, pending an appearance before a judge.Also arrested at the residence was 30-year-old Jessica Simmons of Gardner. Simmons was taken into custody on multiple outstanding warrants for an arrest unrelated to this case.
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