Maine DEA Agents Seize Enough Fentanyl to Kill 250,000 People

Maine DEA Agents Seize Enough Fentanyl to Kill 250,000 People

Maine DEA

Following an investigation that lasted about a year, members of law enforcement have arrested three people and seized a significant amount of drugs.

According to a press release from the Maine Department of Public Safety, back in December of 2024, agents with the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency got word about a drug trafficking group operating here in the state.  Community tips started coming in and local police departments shared what they knew.  That kicked off a long investigation that eventually led agents to what they say was the primary trafficking location in Auburn.

On December 1st of this year, investigators secured a search warrant for Brianna Reny’s apartment at 257 Turner Street in Auburn.  While they were watching the place, agents saw a vehicle tied to the investigation leave the address.  They pulled it over.

The driver was identified as William Tardiff. Agents say he had nearly 180 grams  of suspected cocaine with him.  Tardiff was arrested and taken to the Androscoggin County Jail.  His cash bail was set at ten thousand dollars as he waits for his initial court appearance.

Around six thirty that evening, the Maine State Police Tactical Team moved in to execute the warrant.  Akil Charles tried to run and was caught climbing out a window.

Inside the apartment, agents found what they describe as a significant amount of drugs. They seized 1040 of cocaine, 540 grams of fentanyl, and fifty three grams of methamphetamine. They also located other items tied to the drug trade. Investigators say they found about eighteen thousand two hundred dollars in suspected drug proceeds next to the drugs. The street value of everything seized is around seventy five thousand dollars.

Reny is facing charges that include aggravated trafficking in scheduled W drugs along with an additional trafficking charge.  She is being held at the Androscoggin County Jail on ten thousand dollars cash bail while she waits for her initial appearance.  Charles is facing the same charges and is being held without bail because he was already out on bail for a robbery charge.  Investigators say this case is still active and more arrests are likely.

***NOTE - All suspects are considered innocent until being found guilty in a court of law

The Maine State Police, Auburn Police, Lisbon Police, Lewiston Police, and the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office all assisted with the search warrant and the year long investigation.