Vassalboro Man Arrested with 4 Pounds of Cocaine

Police say 24-year-old Edwin Lawrence fled during traffic stop before being caught with large drug haul

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A 24-year-old Vassalboro man, Edwin Lawrence, was arrested by Maine State Police on Wednesday evening after a brief chase and the discovery of over 4 pounds of cocaine in his possession. Lawrence was charged with aggravated drug trafficking, eluding police, and refusing to submit to arrest.

Why it matters

This bust represents a significant seizure of hard drugs in the state of Maine, where the opioid crisis has hit particularly hard in recent years. The arrest of Lawrence, who police say was transporting the drugs into the state, could disrupt a suspected drug trafficking operation based out of his Vassalboro home.

The details

According to authorities, Maine State Police troopers attempted to pull over Lawrence's vehicle on Interstate 295 near the West Gardiner toll plaza. Lawrence allegedly accelerated and fled, leading to a short chase. Police were able to deflate the tires on Lawrence's car, causing him to flee on foot before being apprehended with the help of a K-9 unit. A search of Lawrence and his vehicle uncovered 2 kilograms, or 4.4 pounds, of cocaine, as well as about $1,000 in suspected drug proceeds. An additional search of Lawrence's Vassalboro home did not yield any further evidence, but police say they have been investigating the residence as a suspected drug trafficking hub for several months.

  • On February 26, 2026, at around 8 PM, Maine State Police attempted to stop Edwin Lawrence's vehicle on Interstate 295.
  • After a brief chase, Lawrence was arrested and charged with aggravated drug trafficking, eluding police, and refusing to submit to arrest.

The players

Edwin Lawrence

A 24-year-old man from Vassalboro, Maine who was arrested and charged with aggravated drug trafficking, eluding police, and refusing to submit to arrest after being found in possession of over 4 pounds of cocaine.

Maine State Police

The law enforcement agency that initiated the traffic stop, chase, and arrest of Edwin Lawrence.

Maine Drug Enforcement Agency (MDEA)

The agency that has been investigating Lawrence's Vassalboro residence as a suspected drug trafficking hub for several months.

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What they’re saying

“Additional arrests are expected in the case.”

— Lowell Woodman, MDEA Commander (centralmaine.com)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Lawrence's bail at a hearing next week.

The takeaway

This bust highlights the ongoing battle against the drug trade in Maine, where law enforcement continues to target suspected traffickers moving large quantities of hard drugs into the state. The seizure of over 4 pounds of cocaine represents a significant disruption to the local drug supply.