CUSHING — A Cushing man and woman were arrested Tuesday, Nov. 15, for trafficking in drugs, after police were called to the home of another Cushing resident, who was found deceased of a suspected drug overdose.

According to the Knox County Sheriff's Office in a press release, 52-year-old Christopher Delano was last seen alive at approximately 11:30 p.m. on Nov. 14. A friend found Delano deceased and called 911 around 6:30 the following morning, Tuesday.

According to police, the investigation into Delano's death revealed drug related activity, prompting a call to the Maine Drug Enforcement Mid-Coast Task Force to assist.

Chief Deputy Tim Carroll said that the exact cause of death was not known, pending autopsy by the Maine Medical Examiner's Office.

Carroll said the investigation led the MDEA and the Sheriff's Office obtaining and executing a search warrant at another residence in Cushing. That warrant resulted in the seizure of 5 grams of heroin, $1,000 in cash believed to be proceeds from the sale of illegal drugs, a loaded semi-automatic rifle, three hand guns and drug paraphernalia.

The warrant also led to the arrest of Karl Crute Jr., 43, and Ranae Robbins, 45. Crute and Robbins were both charged with trafficking in schedule W drugs, Class B felony.

Crute and Robbins were taken to Knox County Jail without incident.

Reach Editorial Director Holly S. Edwards at hollyedwards@penbaypilot.com and 207-706-6655.