JEFFERSON — Two Jefferson men were taken to Two Bridges Regional Jail Wednesday after Maine Drug Enforcement Agency officers arrested them on drug trafficking charges.

The arrests came after the MDEA Mid-Coast District Task Force and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office conducted a six-month investigation into illegal distribution of fentanyl and cocaine from a Jefferson residence, according to a news release from Shannon Moss, the Maine State Police spokesperson.

Arrested were Gary Beverage, 46, on one count of trafficking in schedule W drugs (fentanyl) and two counts of aggravated trafficking in schedule W drugs (fentanyl and cocaine); and David Beal, 49, on two counts of aggravated trafficking in schedule W drugs (fentanyl and cocaine).

As a result of the investigation, the MDEA alleges that out-of-state drug traffickers routinely traveled to Maine, delivering fentanyl and cocaine to Beverage and Beal. Police allege Beverage and Beal would sell the fentanyl and cocaine, as well as have others sell for them throughout the greater Jefferson area.

Police agents conducted undercover purchases of fentanyl and cocaine from Beverage and Beal during the investigation, authorities said, and the arrests were on warrants related to the undercover buys.

A search warrant for the residence was also served, according to the release, resulting in the seizure of 153 grams of cocaine, 25 grams of fentanyl, $5,600 and three firearms from Beverage’s bedroom. Agents found the residence fortified with wooden barricades at the entrances, as well as utilizing security cameras and warning systems to alert residents of intruders and law enforcement.

Beverage’s bail was set on his arrest warrant at $1,500 cash. He was charged with two additional counts of aggravated trafficking based on the seizure where bail was set on those charges at $2,500 cash. Beal’s bail was set on his warrant at $ 2,500 cash.

Authorities said they have identified the out-of-state sources and are still investigating. Additional charges may be handed up by a grand jury.

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