A South Portland man has been sentenced to five years in prison for his role in a gun and drug trafficking ring.
Joshua Hopkins, 33, was sentenced to 60 months in prison followed by four years of supervised release for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and possession of fentanyl and cocaine with intent to distribute.
Hopkins pleaded guilty to the charges on February 21, 2024.
According to court records, in April 2023, investigators located Hopkins at a South Portland hotel while he was in possession of a state arrest warrant. A search of his backpack revealed multiple scales, a single round of 7.62 mm x 39 mm ammunition, a blender containing suspected fentanyl powder, smaller containers of additional suspected fentanyl powder, bags of suspected cocaine, and what appeared to be a substance used to ‘cut’ drugs.
Officers also found a black Norinco SKS-style rifle in the vehicle, which matched the caliber of the ammunition found in the backpack. Hopkins is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition due to prior felony convictions.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; South Portland Police Department; Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case.
Hopkins’ sentencing marks the latest in a string of convictions for gun and drug trafficking in the region. As the Grimy Times continues to follow the story, we will provide updates on any further developments.
In related news, the Maine Department of Public Safety has reported a significant increase in gun-related crimes in the past year, with a 25% spike in firearm-related incidents.
The Grimy Times will continue to provide in-depth coverage of this and other crime stories in the region.
Related Federal Cases
- East Machias Woman Sentenced for Fentanyl, Cocaine Trafficking · Washington
- South Portland Man Sentenced to 5 Years for Gun and Drug Dealing · Maine
- Bangor Pawn Shop Employee Admits Gun Trafficking Role · Maine
- New Bedford Trio Busted for Saco Drive-By Shooting, Cocaine Trafficking · Massachusetts
- Boston Felon Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl, Gun Charges · Massachusetts
Key Facts
- State: Maine
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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