Bradford man accused of drug trafficking after troopers find him with more than 3 pounds of fentanyl
Apr. 7—A Bradford man was arrested Monday night after state troopers allegedly found him with more than 3 pounds of fentanyl.
Kristopher Churchill, 38, was driving a 2009 Chevy HHR north on Interstate 95 in Augusta about 11:30 p.m. when troopers pulled him over near mile marker 109 for a vehicle defect, according to the Maine Department of Public Safety.
During a subsequent investigation, troopers discovered about 3.3 pounds of fentanyl and $3,200, Katy England, a spokesperson for the agency, said Tuesday night.
Churchill and his passenger, 26-year-old Erick Mejia of Lawrence, Massachusetts, were charged with trafficking in fentanyl, a Class A felony.
They are being held on $75,000 bail at the Kennebec County Jail in Augusta, Shannon Moss, a public safety spokesperson, said Wednesday morning.
Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, is up to 100 times more potent than morphine, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Just 3 milligrams can cause a fatal overdose. There are nearly 1.5 million milligrams in 3.3 pounds.
Moss said the fentanyl seized is equal to 15,000 doses, an amount not for "personal use."
The pair were scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday.
A Class A felony is punishable by up to 30 years in prison and up to a $50,000 fine.
