SOUTH PARIS — The Maine Drug Enforcement Agency announces the arrest of a South Paris man for Aggravated Trafficking in Schedule W Drugs (Fentanyl)

Arrested was Troy Masterman (40) of South Paris, for, Aggravated Trafficking in Schedule W Drugs (Fentanyl) Class A. Violation of Administrative Release.

As part of an ongoing investigation into the illegal distribution of heroin and fentanyl throughout the Oxford Hills area of the state, agents from the MDEA Western District Task Force along with officers from the Paris, Oxford, Norway Police Departments as well as the Oxford County Sheriff's Office and Maine State Police, executed a search warrant at 292 Christian Ridge Road, yesterday at approximately 3:30 p.m.

The investigation revealed Masterman to be one of a number of people suspected of distributing heroin and/or fentanyl throughout the towns of Paris, Norway and Oxford.

Seized during the search was approximately 14 grams (140 doses) of suspected fentanyl, scales and drug ledgers along with other items indicative of drug distribution. The approximate street value of the fentanyl is $2,500.

Masterman was arrested and transported to the Oxford County Jail. No bail has been set due to his violation of an administrative release from an unrelated charge.

Fentanyl is 30 to 50 times more potent than heroin and is often used in the mixing process with heroin or sold as heroin. There is an increased chance of a user overdosing when they believe the drug they are using is heroin but is actually fentanyl.

The investigation is continuing and additional arrests for heroin and fentanyl distribution are anticipated.