Trio facing serious drug charges
Published Tuesday August 19th, 2008
Three suspects, including two St. Leonard residents, have been arrested for their involvement in smuggling marijuana into Maine from New Brunswick after agents seized more than eight pounds of marijuana, firearms, two vehicles and more than $30,000 in cash on Monday, Aug. 4.
At approximately 5 p.m., Van Buren Police received a call from a concerned citizen reporting suspicious activity. Based on the activity being consistent with common drug smuggling practices, Van Buren Police notified the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency (MDEA), the port of entry and other area agencies. As local law enforcement mobilized to locate the suspect vehicles, MDEA agents responded to the area and were joined shortly by agents of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
"At about 7 p.m., one of the vehicles, a 1999 Chevrolet truck, was stopped at the port of entry attempting to leave the U.S. at Van Buren," stated Darrell O. Crandall Jr., Division II Commander of the MDEA.
"The operator, 58-year-old Antoine Dubé of St. Leonard, was detained and questioned by agents. A search by a State Police K-9 of a wheel and tire on the back of Dubé's truck revealed remnants of marijuana that had previously been hidden inside the tire. Agents also seized $6,930 in US currency from Dubé after he tried to flush the money down the toilet," Crandall added.
At about 9 p.m., the second suspect vehicle, a 2004 Chrysler mini-van, attempted to re-enter the U.S. at Van Buren.
"The operator, Carol Dubé, 58, of St. Leonard was detained and questioned by agents. She and Antoine Dubé are married. A search of her vehicle and belongings revealed $12,980 in unclaimed US currency," Crandall said.
MDEA Agents seized both vehicles and will seek their forfeiture along with the currency.
During the night, agents continued to gather evidence establishing that marijuana had been smuggled into Maine earlier that evening and had been delivered to a home in St. Agatha. Surveillance was placed on the home, which is on the Morneault Road.
"Shortly after 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 5, the owner of the home, 64-year-old Roger Thériault, left on his motorcycle. He was stopped by Sheriff's Deputies, detained and questioned by agents. MDEA Agents obtained a search warrant, which they executed at Theriault's home at approximately 1 p.m. Agents seized over eight pounds of marijuana, $11,240 in US currency, a revolver, two rifles and a shotgun. Agents also seized a homemade device built for breaking down vehicle tires," Crandall stated.
Thériault and both of the Dubés are charged with unlawful trafficking in scheduled drugs. Thériault is a convicted felon and is also charged with prohibited possession of firearms. All of the suspects made bail and will make an initial appearance in Aroostook County Superior Court on Sept. 26. If convicted, they face up to five years in prison. Additional suspects may be charged at a later date.
"The investigation revealed this was not the first such incident involving the three suspects. This is also not the first time Maine law enforcement has encountered drugs being smuggled into Maine inside tires," Crandall said.
The following law enforcement agencies played a substantive role in this investigation: MDEA, ICE, Van Buren Police, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Aroostook County Sheriff's Department, Maine State Police and Aroostook County Crimestoppers.
"The communication and co-operation between the various agencies made the difference between catching these suspects and not – it is as simple as that. Cross-border importation of marijuana, methamphetamines, prescription and other drugs continues to be a major issue tapping very limited law enforcement resources in Northern Maine. We also rely very heavily on people noticing things out of place in their neighbourhoods and reporting that activity. Anyone with information is urged to call Aroostook County Crimestoppers at 1-800-638-TIPS," said Crandall.
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