Maine Drug Enforcement Agency Arrests 6 in Mt. Desert , Ellsworth

An investigation into the sale of illegal drugs has resulted in the arrests of 6 people from homes in Ellsworth and Mt. Desert.

What Prompted These Charges?

The arrests that were made on Wednesday, January 24th, 2024, were the result of an investigation by the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency's Downeast Task Force into the sale of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine from two Hancock County homes. Officials say the investigation included the undercover purchases of illicit drugs at both locations.

Search warrants were issued at both 1261 Main Street in Mount Desert and 6 Kylie's Way in Ellsworth on Wednesday afternoon. As a result of these searches, officials seized approximately 35 grams of fentanyl, 20 grams of crack cocaine, and 200 strips of Suboxone, as well as other diverted pharmaceutical drugs, and about $9,000 in suspected drug proceeds.

Who Are the Suspects?

A total of six people were arrested, between the two locations.

Arrested at the Mount Desert residence were:

Alfred 'Alphie' Lanpher, 54, of Mount Desert is charged with trafficking in fentanyl and cocaine base. These charges were elevated to aggravated due to a prior drug trafficking conviction. No bail was allowed.
Justin Bent, 36, of Southwest Harbor is charged with unlawful possession of cocaine. Bent is currently being held on a probation hold.
Carl Carter, 55, of Mount Desert is charged with unlawful trafficking of fentanyl. No bail allowed.
Ian Jellison, 42, of Southwest Harbor is charged with trafficking in fentanyl. Jellison was out on bail from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts at the time of his arrest, stemming from an August 2023 drug trafficking arrest in that state that followed the discovery of a significant amount of cocaine and fentanyl in a vehicle he was riding in. No bail is allowed.

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At the Kylie's Way, Ellsworth location, two men were arrested:

Jeffrey Card, 48, of Ellsworth is charged with unlawful trafficking of methamphetamine. At the time of his arrest, Card was out on bail for a separate drug trafficking offense from March of 2023. No bail allowed.
Shannon Stanley, 37, of Tremont is charged with trafficking in fentanyl. This charge was elevated to aggravated due to a previous drug trafficking conviction. No bail is allowed.

All 6 suspects are expected to make their first court appearance on Friday afternoon.

Who Do I Contact With Information About Illegal Drug Sales?

If you suffer from substance use disorder, you're encouraged to call 211 or text your zip code to 898-211 for a list of resources available in your area.

Anyone with information about this investigation or the illegal sale of drugs in their community is urged to contact the Maine Drug Enforcement office closest to them. Information can also be reported by texting MDEA to TIP411 (847411) or by calling the MDEA tip-line at 1-800-452-6457.