Early morning raid nets 7 arrests at Shapleigh drug house

SHAPLEIGH, Maine - For the past three months the York MDEA Task Force has been investigating drug trafficking from 34 Coley Trafton Road in Shapleigh, where agents made undercover buys of fentanyl directly from 37-year-old Ryan Murray, the property owner.

This address has been the source of numerous responses by the York County Sheriff's Department for domestic violence, disturbances, and drug overdoses.

MDEA Agents obtained an arrest warrant for Murray charging him with two counts of unlawful trafficking schedule W drugs (Fentanyl). Agents also obtained a search warrant for the property at 34 Coley Trafton Road for evidence of drug sales.

Based upon factors which led to an increased threat level, entry to the residence was made during the early morning hours of Thursday by the Maine State Police Tactical Team, assisted by the Southern Maine Regional Tactical Team.

During the execution of the warrant, law enforcement encountered 28 people. They were sleeping in numerous vehicles on the property, in tents and mobile homes as well as in the residence. Of these 28 people 7 were arrested, as follows:

Ryan Murray (37) of Coley Trafton Road: Charged with 2 counts of Unlawful Trafficking Schedule W Drugs Class B. Bail was set at $15,000. Murray was also wanted on a warrant for failure to appear for domestic violence reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon (firearm) from York County. Murray also has an extraditable warrant from the State of New Hampshire charging failure to appear for heroin possession. Murray is currently at the York County Jail awaiting his initial appearance.

Elysie Nichols (22) of Coley Trafton Road: charged with Aggravated Trafficking Schedule W Drugs (Fentanyl). Nichols also has an extraditable arrest warrant from NH charging Possession of Meth, Heroin and Cocaine with the Intent to Sell. Nichols is currently at the York County Jail awaiting initial appearance.

David Demirai (40) of Berwick: arrested on a warrant for Failure to Appear for Failing to Stop for a Police Officer.

Gregory Cote (29) of Sanford: arrested on a warrant for Probation Revocation and Theft.

Dawn M. Tessier (38) of Sanford: arrested on an extraditable warrant from NH charging Possession of Meth.

Brandon Scamman (41) of Baldwin: arrested on a warrant charging 2 counts failure to appear for Violation of a Protective Order.

Justin Royal (26) of Sanford: arrested on warrants charging Failure to Appear for 3 counts operating a motor vehicle without a license, 3 counts of violation of conditions of bail/ release, 1 count failure to make notification of a motor vehicle accident, 1 count unlawful possession schedule drugs and 1 count theft.

All those arrested were transported to the York County Jail.

The search uncovered 36 grams of fentanyl, 32 grams methamphetamine, one loaded firearm and $2,459.00 in suspected drug proceeds.

MDEA was assisted in this investigation by the York County Sheriff's Office and the Maine State Police. In addition, the Town of Shapleigh Code Enforcement Office was asked to respond, and they condemned the property for occupancy.

The Maine Drug Enforcement Agency anticipates several more people to be charged with drug trafficking charges.