The Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, in coordination with the Belfast Police Department and the Waldo County Sheriff’s Office, have arrested two individuals on aggravated drug trafficking charges following a bust at the Belfast bus station.
Larry Metcalf, 80, of Swanville, and Eduin Chala-Ramirez, 21, of Boston, Massachusetts, were both charged with Aggravated Trafficking of Schedule “W” Drugs.
According to the MDEA, investigators had received information over several months that Metcalf was providing rides to out-of-state drug traffickers who were selling illegal drugs in local residences. On Wednesday, June 17, agents received credible intelligence that Metcalf was meeting someone at the Belfast bus station. Surveillance confirmed Metcalf arriving at the station, where a bus from Massachusetts soon pulled in.
A male passenger, later identified as Chala-Ramirez, exited the bus and entered Metcalf’s vehicle. Law enforcement conducted a traffic stop with assistance from Belfast police and Waldo County deputies. A drug-certified K-9 alerted to the presence of narcotics, leading to a search of the vehicle and its occupants.
Agents seized 55 grams of fentanyl and 250 grams of cocaine from Chala-Ramirez. The estimated street value of the drugs is approximately $29,100. Chala-Ramirez was transported to the Waldo County Jail, where bail was set at $25,000 cash. He awaits his initial court appearance.
Metcalf was issued a summons and is scheduled to appear in Waldo County Superior Court on August 5.
More arrests are expected in the ongoing investigation.
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