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LEWISTON — The River Street neighborhood was rattled by flash-bang explosives early Friday morning as local, state and federal officials conducted a drug raid.

Keith Gauthier Lewiston Police Department

Police said they seized 60 grams of methamphetamine and 20 grams of heroin and fentanyl, along with a stolen firearm, during a search at 70 River St.

Arrested were Keith Gauthier, 35, of Lewiston, who was charged with two counts of aggravated drug trafficking, theft by receiving stolen property and violating conditions of release, and David Giasson, 48, who was charged on outstanding warrants for aggravated forgery, theft and violating conditions of release.

Giasson, listed as homeless, has criminal history in the Lewiston and Oxford areas.

Both men were taken to the Androscoggin County Jail in Auburn where they remained later Friday.

Lewiston police were aided by the Maine State Police tactical team and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when they approached to the home near the corner of River and Oxford streets in the early morning hours.

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David Giasson Lewiston Police Department

Police used flash-bang explosives to distract the targets of the search, causing explosions that were mistaken for gunshots by some neighbors. Police said no shots were fired during the raid.

Lewiston police had been investigating reports of drug activity at the home before a search warrant was issued for the Friday morning operation.

 

 

 

 

Mark LaFlamme is a Sun Journal reporter and weekly columnist. He's been on the nighttime police beat since 1994, which is just grand because he doesn't like getting out of bed before noon. Mark is the...