SEARSPORT — The Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and Searsport Police announced the arrest of three people for their alleged roles in importing and trafficking methamphetamine in Searsport.

The arrests stem from an investigation that began in August, when agents from the MDEA's Mid-Coast District Task Force began assisting officers of the Searsport Police Department who had initiated an investigation into the illegal distribution of the drug in town.

According to the MDEA in a release Thursday night, investigators learned that beginning in August 2014, Gerald Gustafson, 51, of Searsport, began allegedly receiving methamphetamine through the U.S. mail. With the assistance of U.S. Postal Inspectors, agents intercepted three of the packages containing methamphetamine sent to Gustafson.

Gustafson was arrested Sept. 26, when he took possession of the third package, according to the MDEA. He was charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine, class C. He remained in Two Bridges Jail in Wiscasset without bail, due to a probation violation.

Arrested Nov. 27 was Thomas Reynolds, 50, of McDonald, Pa., who agents were able to determine had mailed the packages to. Agents also allegedly determined that Marina Saraviam 54, of Golden Valley, Ariz., had also mailed packages of the drug to Gustafson.

Agents secured arrest warrants for Reynolds and Saravia. Reynolds was arrested by officers of the McDonald (Pa.) Police Department and members of the Washington County (Pa.) District Attorney's Drug Task Force. He is being held in the Washington County Correctional Facility as a fugitive from justice, pending extradition proceedings to bring him to Maine, according to the MDEA press release.

Saravia was arrested Dec. 3 in Arizona by members of the Mohave County Sheriff's Department and Mohave Area General Narcotics Enforcement Team. Saravia is being held at the Mohave County Jail as a fugitive from justice pending extradition proceedings to bring her to Maine as well.

"This multi-state investigation is continuing and additional charges are expected," said MDEA Commander Scott Pelletier in the press release.

Agents seized approximately 35 grams of crystal methamphetamine during the investigation, and the drug is reportedly sold for approximately $300 a gram in the Midcoast area.

Anyone with information concerning this investigation or other suspected drug trafficking can contact the MDEA field office nearest them, or call the MDEA Drug Tip Hotline at 800-452-6457.

Editorial Director Holly S. Edwards can be reached at hollyedwards@penbaypilot.com or 706-6655.