Auburn Police Bust Alleged Drug Traffickers: Seize Cocaine, Fentanyl and Cash

Auburn Police arrested two Lewiston residents early Saturday morning, April 11, after executing a search warrant at the Quality Inn, uncovering suspected cocaine, fentanyl pills, and more than $5,000 in drug proceeds believed to have been brought into the area from Connecticut.

Officers carried out the warrant at the hotel located at 1777 Washington Street North at approximately 3:05 am. The search stemmed from information obtained during a traffic stop conducted by Auburn officers earlier that evening, which pointed to interstate drug trafficking activity.

During the search, police seized approximately 15 grams of suspected cocaine, an unspecified quantity of fentanyl pills, and over $5,000 in suspected drug proceeds.

Those arrested were: Mantrell Tidwell, 33, of Lewiston, charged with:
– Unlawful Trafficking of Cocaine (Class B)
– Unlawful Trafficking of Fentanyl (Class B)
– Falsifying Physical Evidence (Class D)
Bail was set at $10,000.

Anita Tanis, 22, of Lewiston, charged with:
– Unlawful Trafficking of Cocaine (Class B)
– Unlawful Trafficking of Fentanyl (Class B)
Bail was set at $7,500.

According to police, the seized drugs were transported from Connecticut for distribution in the Lewiston/Auburn area.The Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit assisted Auburn Police with the execution of the search warrant.

The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges or arrests are possible.