Two Arrested in Maine for Interstate Drug Trafficking

Cocaine, fentanyl, and over $5,000 in suspected drug proceeds seized during motel raid

Apr. 12, 2026 at 12:54pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a pile of white powder and several small pills, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic through the use of harsh, direct flash lighting against a pitch-black background.A recent drug bust in Maine exposes the dangerous interstate drug trafficking pipeline supplying the region with illicit narcotics.Auburn Today

A 33-year-old man and a 22-year-old woman were arrested early Saturday morning in Auburn, Maine and charged with Unlawful Drug Trafficking of cocaine and fentanyl. The arrests came after a search warrant was executed at a local motel, where police seized approximately 15 grams of cocaine, fentanyl pills, and more than $5,000 in suspected drug proceeds.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing battle against the opioid crisis and interstate drug trafficking in Maine, which has seen an increase in drug-related arrests and seizures in recent years. The involvement of fentanyl, a highly potent synthetic opioid, also raises concerns about public health and safety.

The details

According to the Auburn Police Department, the search warrant was executed at the Quality Inn on Washington Street around 3:05 am, following a traffic stop earlier that evening where information was obtained referencing interstate drug trafficking. The investigation indicates the seized drugs were transported from Connecticut for distribution in the Lewiston/Auburn area.

  • The search warrant was executed around 3:05 am on Saturday, April 12, 2026.
  • The traffic stop that led to the search warrant occurred earlier that same evening.

The players

Mantrell Tidwell

A 33-year-old man charged with Unlawful Drug Trafficking of Cocaine, Unlawful Drug Trafficking of Fentanyl, and Falsifying Physical Evidence. His bail was set at $10,000.

Anita Tanis

A 22-year-old woman from Lewiston, Maine charged with Unlawful Drug Trafficking of Cocaine and Unlawful Drug Trafficking of Fentanyl. Her bail was set at $7,500.

Auburn Police Department

The law enforcement agency that executed the search warrant and made the arrests.

Androscoggin County Sheriff's Office

The K-9 unit that assisted the Auburn Police Department in executing the search warrant.

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What they’re saying

“The investigation indicates that the seized contraband was transported from Connecticut for distribution in the Lewiston/Auburn area.”

— Auburn Police Department

What’s next

The investigation into the interstate drug trafficking operation is ongoing.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat the opioid crisis and disrupt the flow of illegal drugs into Maine communities. The involvement of fentanyl, a highly potent synthetic opioid, underscores the urgent need for continued vigilance and comprehensive strategies to address the public health and safety challenges posed by the drug trade.