Three Arrested on Drug Charges in Canaan

The Somerset County Sheriff’s Office was alerted to “suspicious activity” on Shady Lane in Canaan, early Thursday, Feb. 12.

Deputies found a Nissan Altima off the road with 3 males inside. 36-year-old Joel Sweetser, a transient from the Bangor area, 29-year-old Austin Wing, who recently moved to Maine from South Carolina, and a 17-year-old juvenile were in the vehicle.

From the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office:

While speaking with the occupants, an open alcoholic beverage container was observed between the legs of Joel Sweetser. In January 2026 Sweetser was arrested for OUI in Penobscot County and has bail conditions which allow for searches of his person and vehicle. A search of the vehicle was conducted, and 24.6 grams of methamphetamine was located. Deputies searched Sweetser and found no illegal drugs on his person. Deputies searched the juvenile and located 34 grams of methamphetamine. Deputies searched Wing and found him to be in possession of illegal drugs. Sweetser was arrested and charged with Aggravated Trafficking in Schedule Drugs (Class A) and Violation of Conditions of Release (Class E). Sweetser is currently being held at the Somerset County Jail without bail. Sweetser’s initial court appearance is scheduled for May 6, 2026, at 8:30 am at the Somerset County Unified Criminal Court. The juvenile was issued a Summons for Unlawful Trafficking in Scheduled Drugs (Class B). The juvenile was released to their guardian after a Juvenile Community Corrections Officer was contacted and conditions of release were set. Wing was issued a Summons for Possession of Scheduled Drugs (Class D) and released from the scene. Wing’s initial court appearance is scheduled for July 8, 2026, at 8:30 am at the Somerset County Unified Criminal Court.

Additional charges may be forthcoming once the case is reviewed by the Somerset County District Attorney’s Office.