BANGOR, Maine — The Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and Buxton police arrested a Buxton man on Friday after a search of his home on Old Thompson Road on Tuesday turned up evidence of methamphetamine manufacturing in his discarded trash.
Kenneth Hunter, 65, is charged with unlawful operation of a methamphetamine laboratory, a Class B felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine, MDEA Commander Scott Pelletier and Buxton Police Chief Michael Grovo said Friday in a joint news release.
Hunter turned himself in to authorities at the Maine State Police barracks in Alfred on Friday after speaking with MDEA agents. He then was taken to York County Jail, when he is being held on $2,000 bail.
Tuesday’s search of Hunter’s single-family home was the result of information provided to the MDEA’s York District Task Force by Buxton police officers regarding suspicious activity there, Pelletier and Grovo said.
With the help of the MDEA’s Clandestine Laboratory Enforcement Team, three “one-pot” laboratories were discovered at Hunter’s residence. Samples of the laboratories were seized as evidence. All hazardous waste products that were found when the authorities executed their search warrant were turned over to the State Department of Environmental Protection for disposal. The Buxton Fire Department assisted in scene safety during the laboratory seizures.
The investigation into the alleged drug-making operation is ongoing and additional arrests are expected.
Anyone with information about the incident or the illegal sale of drugs in this state is asked to contact the MDEA office closest to them or call the agency’s tip line at 800-452-6457.