A traffic stop in Augusta Monday led to what police are describing as a significant drug bust.
The stop, which occurred around 10:30 p.m. on Western Avenue, uncovered several grams of cocaine and cocaine base and heroin, which have a combined value of more than $10,000, Kennebec County Sheriff Randall Liberty said in a release.
“The seizure of this heroin and cocaine was significant,” Liberty said. “It was good heads-up police work.”
Shaun C. Campbell, 33, of New York City, was arrested on three counts of aggravated trafficking in cocaine base and crack and heroin, Liberty said. Campbell is being held at the Kennebec County jail on $20,000 cash bail.
Theresa Manocchio, 45, of Windsor, was charged with unlawful possession of scheduled drugs and violating conditions of release, Liberty said. He said Manocchio is facing drug trafficking charges stemming from a January arrest. She is being held at the Kennebec County jail without bail.
An 18-year-old New York City man who also was in the car was issued a summons charging him with marijuana possession.
Kennebec County Sheriff Deputy Todd Chilton stopped the trio’s Chevrolet Cavalier on Western Avenue.
“Upon approaching the open window of the vehicle, Deputy Chilton detected a strong odor of burning marijuana,” Liberty said.
Manocchio, who was driving, is subject to random searches, Liberty said. She was found with 22 pills of Gabapentin, a seizure medication.
Chilton, along with Kennebec County Sheriff’s Deputy Aaron Moody and his dog, Stryker, as well as Augusta Police, conducted a more extensive search. Campbell was found with 28 bags of cocaine base weighing 6 grams, Liberty said. Liberty said the search of Campbell also uncovered 18 bags of cocaine base weighing 4 grams; 11 bags of cocaine weighing 2 grams and two bags of heroin weighing 2 grams.
“The opiate problem in central Maine continues to grow,” Liberty said. “We need to work through education, tough enforcement and rehabilitation to get this far-reaching problem under control.”
Craig Crosby — 621-5642
Twitter: @CraigCrosby4
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