On or about 7-16-2009 at approximately 1300 hours Lt. Travis Willey and Sgt. Randy Perry were conducting a criminal investigation in the Columbia Falls area. The investigation involved a stolen outboard motor from the Jonesport area that was recovered last week at Mr. Vance Merritt’s residence in Columbia Falls. Lt. Willey and Sgt. Perry went to Mr. Merritt’s residence to interview him in reference to that matter.

Upon arriving at the Merritt residence the investigation progressed and turned from a stolen property investigation to a drug investigation. As a result of that investigation Mr. Merritt was placed in custody for Unlawful Trafficking in Schedule Drugs, class B. Special Agents from the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and other Washington County Deputies then responded to the scene to assist. A drug search warrant was then obtained and executed on Mr. Merritt’s property.

As a result of the arrest and search warrant an undisclosed amount of Canadian Oxycontin, 16 firearms, and approximately $16,000 in cash monies were seized. Mr. Merritt cooperated with the investigation and is currently cooperating with other ongoing criminal investigations.

Mr. Vance Merritt (DOB 5-31-1937) currently lives on the Tibbettstown Road in Columbia Falls.

The street value of the drugs are about $2,400.00.

Mr. Merritt's bail was set at $50,000.00.

Also in unrelated case Raymond Brown Jr. D.O. B 02/18/1973, of Wilson Beach Campobello Island NB.,was arrested by the Washington County Drug Task Force/ Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and charged with , Acquiring Drugs By Deception.

Mr. Browns bail was set at $1,000.00

Both at be held at the Washington County Jail.