Wayne Smith, Methamphetamine and Fentanyl Trafficking, Maine 2021

BANGOR, Maine: In a shocking turn of events, Wayne Smith, a 31-year-old former Bangor resident, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl in federal court yesterday.

According to court records, between January 2018 and December 2021, Smith, along with others, trafficked methamphetamine and fentanyl in Penobscot County and Aroostook County. 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.

Smith faces up to 20 years imprisonment and 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.

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.

Wayne Smith, 31, is set to face the music for his crimes, with a possible 20-year sentence hanging over his head. The former Bangor resident pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. Smith’s crimes took place between January 2018 and December 2021, resulting in contacts with local law enforcement and the seizure of drugs, firearms, and other items.

Smith’s case is a prime example of the ongoing struggle against drug trafficking in Maine. The U.S. government is determined to bring those responsible to justice, and Smith’s guilty plea is a significant step in that direction.

In related news, the U.S. government continues to crack down on organized crime and drug trafficking across the country. This case is a testament to the success of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) in identifying and dismantling high-level drug trafficking networks.

Defendant: Wayne Smith

Criminal Charges: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl

City and State: Bangor, Maine

Exact Date: Not specified

Sentence or Outcome: Up to 20 years imprisonment

Defendant’s Age: 31

Year of Crimes: 2018-2021

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-me/pr/former-bangor-man-faces-20-years-role-penobscot-and-aroostook-county-drug-trafficking