Andrew Adams, Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Fentanyl, Maine 2023

Bangor, Maine: A former Aroostook County resident has been held accountable for his role in a large-scale drug trafficking operation in Penobscot and Aroostook counties.

Andrew Adams, 31, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Bangor to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.

According to court records, between January 2018 and December 2021, Adams and others trafficked methamphetamine and fentanyl in Penobscot and Aroostook counties. His participation in the conspiracy resulted in contacts with local law enforcement that led to the seizure of drugs, firearms, drug paraphernalia and other items.

Adams faces up to 20 years imprisonment. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistance was provided by the Orono, Bangor, Brewer, Caribou, Presque Isle, and Houlton police departments. U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee also recognized the cooperation and coordination provided by the Maine State Attorney General’s Office and the Aroostook County District Attorney’s Office.

Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces: This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

This case highlights the need for continued cooperation between law enforcement agencies to combat the scourge of drug trafficking. As our investigation continues, we will work tirelessly to bring those responsible for these crimes to justice.

The people of Maine deserve to live in a safe and secure community, free from the threat of drug trafficking. We will not rest until those who seek to harm our communities are held accountable.

Related Federal Cases