Two Sanford men nabbed on drug charges

SANFORD - Two Sanford residents were arrested on crack cocaine and marijuana trafficking charges on Thursday.

Ryan Benoit, 23, no address given, was charged with one count in Unlawful Trafficking in a Schedule W Drug, (Crack Cocaine) Class B and Violation of Conditions of Bail/Release.

Joshua Downs, 18, 47 Theriault St., was charged with Unlawful Trafficking in a Schedule Z drug (Marijuana).

According to a Maine Drug Enforcement Agency press release, Benoit was arrested around 3 p.m. in the area of the Mid-Town mall in Sanford as he was delivering crack cocaine to an undercover agent.

Benoit fled on foot, but was taken into custody a short distance away by members of the Southern Maine Special Response Team who were assisting agents. Benoit was said in possession of 8 grams of crack cocaine as well as $1,900 in cash that was seized as suspected drug proceeds. The estimated street value of the crack cocaine was $1,200.

Over the past three weeks agents conducted undercover purchases of crack cocaine from Benoit at various locations in Sanford. Downs accompanied Benoit during one of these transactions, according to the press release.

Simultaneous to the Benoit arrest, agents executed a search warrant at Downs’ residence, where they found evidence of drug trafficking including 20 ounces of processed marijuana, digital scales and marijuana plants.

Both men were transported to the York County Jail by Sanford Police. Benoit who was already free on two sets of bail conditions for other criminal charges, was denied bail. Downs’ bail was set at $100 cash.

The investigation is continuing and additional charges are expected. During the investigation and arrests, agents were assisted by the Sanford Police Department, the Wells Police Department, members of the Southern Maine Special Response Team and members of the New England High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area team.