Two Biddeford residents arrested for drug trafficking

On May 1, drugs, money and a firearm were seized from a Biddeford apartment. Two residents were charged with drug trafficking. Contributed / MDPS

A man and a woman, both from Biddeford, have been charged with drug trafficking, according to a release from the Maine Department of Public Safety. In addition to the arrests, the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency also seized over 7 pounds of fentanyl from the couple’s Ray Street apartment on May 1.

The approximate street value of the fentanyl seized is more than $300,000.

Almuntadhar M. Mohammed, 24, was arrested May 1 on drug trafficking warrants for trafficking fentanyl throughout southern Maine. In addition to seizing the drugs, the MDPS said the MDEA seized a loaded handgun and drug proceeds. Mohammed was arrested on two counts of trafficking in Class W drugs (fentanyl), a Class B felony. and unlawful aggravated trafficking in Schedule W drugs (fentanyl), a Class A felony. He was also charged on May 2 with five counts of unlawful aggravated trafficking in Schedule W drugs (fentanyl). Aggravating effects are due to the weight of the drug and possession of a firearm.

Based on evidence collected during the search of the Ray Street residence, officers also charged Alyssa Staples with trafficking in Schedule W drugs (fentanyl). Staples and Mohammed have a domestic relationship and live together in the Ray Street apartment. Staples was charged via summons and will make his first court appearance July 30 in York Unified Court in Biddeford.

According to the MDPS, MDEA agents from the Cumberland and York District Task Forces had been investigating Mohammed for illegal drug trafficking for eight months.

The agency’s investigation revealed that Mohammed purchased large quantities of fentanyl out of state, repackaged the fentanyl and sold it in Cumberland and York counties, according to the MDPS. During the investigation, agents made multiple undercover purchases of fentanyl from Mohammed at various locations in both counties.

On May 1, agents from the Cumberland and York District Task Forces and officers from the Saco Police Department arrested Mohammed without incident when he arrived at a business parking lot in Saco to deliver fentanyl to an undercover officer. Mohammed was arrested on outstanding drug trafficking warrants related to the sale of fentanyl to undercover officers during the investigation.

Mohammed was taken to York County Jail, where he was later released on $7,500 bail.

Following Mohammed’s arrest, agents and officers with the Biddeford Police Department executed a search warrant at Mohammed’s residence, where they found fentanyl and other items consistent with drug trafficking, according to the MDPS.

Based on new evidence seized during the search of Mohammed’s home, officers issued additional arrest warrants for Mohammed on May 2.

Mohammed was arrested by agents in Saco without incident and transported to the York County Jail. Bail on the warrants was set at $100,000.

This investigation, arrest and search warrant over the past eight months involved officers and agents from the South Portland, Portland, Scarborough, Saco and Biddeford police departments, as well as troopers from the Maine State Police.

The investigation is ongoing and additional arrests and charges are expected.

If you or someone you know is suffering from a substance use disorder, call 211 or text your zip code to 898-211 for a list of resources available near you.

To report information about this investigation or illegal drug sales in your community, contact the Maine Drug Enforcement Administration by texting MDEA to TIP411 (847411) or the MDEA Tip Line at 1-800-452-6457 call.

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