PORTLAND, Maine: On Thursday afternoon, U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Rangeley Station arrested a U.S. citizen in possession of crack cocaine. The subject also had an active warrant.

U.S. Border Patrol agents conducting transportation

check operations in Portland, Maine January 9, 2020

Agents encountered the individual while conducting transportation check operations at a bus terminal in Portland, Maine. Agents ran criminal history checks using portable biometric information capturing technology. The checks revealed that the subject had an active warrant for Failure to Appear, issued by Maine State Police.

“The technology available to Border Patrol agents continues to evolve, and helps agents perform their duties quicker and safer in the field,” said Jason Owens, Chief Patrol Agent of the Border Patrol in Maine.

During the encounter, agents also discovered that the subject was in possession of 52.4 grams of crack cocaine and 5.6 grams of marijuana. Both the narcotics and the subject were turned over to the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency.

“Anytime we are able to remove dangerous drugs from our communities, it is a success,” said Chief Owens. “Incidents like this one highlight the importance of denying criminal smugglers the ability to use transportation hubs and roadways to further their illicit enterprise.”

The U.S. Border Patrol in Maine relies on the cooperation and assistance of the public. Anyone wishing to make a confidential report of suspicious activity may call (800) 851-8727 to contact the United States Border Patrol in Maine.

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