Lebanon man faces life in prison on heroin trafficking charge

Nicholas Inskeep (Somersworth Police photo)

DOVER - A Lebanon, Maine, man snared in a Granite Hammer drug enforcement operation and arrested by Somersworth Police and members of the Strafford County Drug Task Force in April faces up to life in prison for his alleged involvement in the trafficking of heroin and fentanyl.

Nicholas Inskeep, 30, of Varney Street, Lebanon, was arrested on April 19 during a traffic stop executed by Somersworth Police and task force members.

According to court documents, Inskeep "possessed a combination of the schedule I and II controlled drugs heroin and fentanyl in an amount in excess of five grams with the intent to dispense said controlled drugs."

Operation Granite Hammer is a statewide drug enforcement program designed to get dealers off the street.

Inskeep was previously convicted of a controlled drug offense in Dover District Court in September 2010, court records show.

He could face up to life imprisonment and a $500,000 fine if convicted.

The Strafford County grand jury indictments were handed down on July 19 and made public on Tuesday.

An indictment is not an indication of guilt, only that enough evidence has been gathered to warrant a trial.