Massive Sanford drug operation busted; more than $155G in drugs taken off street

Andrew Hanson (York County Jail photo)

SANFORD, Maine - Maine DEA agents and Sanford Police say they broke up a massive narcotics operation on Thursday when they arrested a Sanford man returning with drugs he'd purchased out of state.

The two agencies, which had been investigating the distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl throughout the greater Sanford area, learned that Andrew Hanson, 36, was allegedly making regular trips out of state and returning with substantial amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl for resale throughout York County.

Through the investigation they received word on Thursday that Hanson was making another trip out of state and likely returning with additional drugs. After locating his vehicle entering Maine from New Hampshire, agents followed him to Sanford where he was stopped by Sanford police officers.

Evidence found inside Andrew Hanson's vehicle (MDEA photo)

A drug detection K9 from the Kennebunk Police Department alerted police the possible presence of drugs. Following a search of Hanson's vehicle, agents located around 920 grams (2 pounds) of suspected fentanyl, 165 grams of methamphetamine, $1,700 in suspected drug proceeds and a fake handgun. The street value of the drugs seized exceeds $155,000, according to law enforcement officials.

Also in the vehicle was a female passenger, identified as 20-year-old Julia Rea of Biddeford. Rea had an active arrest warrant for failure to appear on a theft charge and was arrested by the Sanford Police Department.