Two Brooklyn, New York men were arrested last night in Bangor following an investigation into the distribution of crack cocaine from a local motel room. The investigation, conducted my MDEA's NorthCentral Office in Bangor, highlights the continued threat associated with out of state traffickers relocating to cities and towns throughout the State of Maine for the sole purpose of selling illicit drugs.

As part of this investigation, MDEA agents received information indicating that individual(s) were engaged in the distribution of illicit drugs from an Odlin Road motel room. This investigation led to theexecution of a search warrant last night (July 6, 2017) on the motel room from which agents suspected crack cocaine was being sold.

Seized during the search warrant was approximately 20 grams of crack cocaine, with a street value of $2000, and nearly $20,000 in suspected cash proceeds from the sale of the drugs out of the motel room. Other evidence of drug trafficking was also seized. Agents believe that the pair had rented the room just two (2) days prior.

Charged, thus far, as part of this investigation were:

1. Jelani Witt- (male) 28 YOA of Brooklyn, New York. Witt has been charged with Class B, Unlawful Trafficking in Schedule W Drugs (Crack Cocaine). Bail was set at $100,000 cash.

2. Rodney Tyler- 22 YOA of Brooklyn, New York. Tyler was also charged with Class B, Unlawful Trafficking in Schedule W Drugs (Crack Cocaine). Bail was set at $100,000 cash. In addition, Tyler was wanted on an outstanding 2017 NYPD warrant charging "Violation of a Court Order."

Both Tyler and Witt were transported to the Penobscot County Jail following their arrests.

MDEA was assisted during this investigation by the Bangor Police Department. This investigation is continuing and more arrests are likely.

MDEA would like to remind the public and hotel operators that local hotels/motels are often used by out of state drug traffickers as a place to conduct their illegal business. Frequently the rooms are rented on behalf of the traffickers by local individuals and not the traffickers themselves. If you see suspicious activity in and around area hotels/motels that you feel could be related to drug trafficking, please contact the MDEA field office nearest you, or call the MDEA Drug Tip Hotline at 800-452- 6457.