BREWER, Maine — An Amherst man and a woman from Indian Island were arrested Friday night after Brewer police reportedly found what appeared to be an active “one pot” methamphetamine lab in the back of the vehicle they were riding in.
Ashley Coffman, 36, and Carlos Calcasola, 39, both were charged with unlawful operation of a methamphetamine lab and for violating bail conditions from prior arrests. Coffman also was charged with criminal operating under the influence, and Calcasola was issued a motion to revoke his probation.
The meth operation was uncovered during what began as a traffic stop on North Main Street, according to Brewer Deputy Police Chief Chris Martin.
Coffman and Calcasola had bail conditions that did not allow them to possess or consume alcohol or drugs, Martin said.
Brewer police Officer Scott Jones allegedly saw an open container of alcohol in the vehicle, and Officer Zach Caron allegedly saw hypodermic needles in the car.
Coffman, the driver, appeared under the influence, according to Martin, and as a result of her performance on field sobriety tests, she was arrested for OUI. A Bangor police officer conducted a drug recognition examination on Coffman.
Calcasola was arrested for violation of bail as well as a violation of a bail curfew provision, Martin said.
During a search of the car, Caron and Brewer police Sgt. Nelson Feero found evidence consistent with a meth lab operation, which was confirmed by Maine Drug Enforcement Agency personnel who were called to the scene, according to the deputy police chief.