SEARSPORT — Five people were arrested for unlawful trafficking in scheduled drugs in Searsport, following a months-long investigation by the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency Mid-Coast Drug Task Force, according to a media report released by Maine State Police today. 

In addition to the MDEA, members of the Searsport Police Department have been conducting a joint investigation into the sale of methamphetamine and cocaine from two residences in Searsport. This investigation included several undercover purchases of both cocaine base and methamphetamine from the residences.

On Tuesday, March 10, 2026, the MDEA applied for and received search warrants for 22 Homestead Lane and 119 Loop Road in Searsport.  With the aid of the Maine State Police Tactical Team, Waldo County Sheriff’s Office and Searsport PD, the warrants were executed in the early morning hours. As a result of the undercover buys of drugs from the residences, Holly Jo Ward, of 119 Loop Road, was charged with aggravated trafficking in schedule W drugs. 

Also arrested during the execution of the search warrant are:

Yandril Mateo-Nunez and Nelkis Alexander Villalona-Perez of Lawrence, Massachusetts. Both were charged with aggravated trafficking in schedule W drugs class A. 

As a result of the search on Loop Road, agents seized $4,390 in suspected drug proceeds, 70 grams of methamphetamine, 24 grams of cocaine, and 2 firearms.

The second search warrant was then executed at 22 Homestead Lane, with the aid of the MSPTT, the Waldo County Sheriff’s Office and Searsport PD. As a result of the undercover buys at this location, MDEA agents arrested David Hersom and Melissa Dyer. The search of the home resulted in the location of 28 firearms and 29 grams of methamphetamine.

The estimated street value of the drugs is $12,400.00, according to the media release.

Ward, Mateo-Nunez, Villalona-Perez, Hersom and Dyer are currently being held at Waldo County Jail awaiting their initial appearance in court.

Hersom and Dyer’s bail has been set at $2,500 cash, while Ward’s bail has been set at $750 cash. Mateo-Nunez andVillalona-Perez have had their bail set at $10,000 cash. 

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The MDEA stands committed to working with all federal, state, county, and local law enforcement partners in order to continue to identify and disrupt drug trafficking organizations who are attempting to distribute illicit drugs like fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine in the State of Maine.

If you or someone you know suffers from substance use disorder, please call 211 or text your zip code to 898-211 for a list of resources available in your area.

If you have information about this investigation or the illegal sale of drugs in your community, you are urged to contact the Maine Drug Enforcement office closest to you or by texting MDEA to TIP411 (847411) or by calling the MDEA tip-line at 1-800-452-6457.