Lewiston Drug Bust Uncovers $25K Cash and Nearly 2 Kilos of Cocaine

A probation compliance check turned into a significant drug bust in Lewiston on Tuesday, resulting in the arrest of a local man and the seizure of a large quantity of cocaine and cash.

Steven Braggs, 36, was taken into custody after officers found him with 100 grams of cocaine during a compliance check at a Lewiston hotel. The operation, conducted by U.S. probation and parole officers with assistance from the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency's Western District Task Force and Lewiston police, targeted Braggs due to his prior federal conviction.

Braggs, on supervised release following a 2015 sentence for being a felon in possession of a firearm, was arrested without incident. He is being held without bail at Androscoggin Jail due to a probation hold.

After Braggs' arrest, authorities secured a warrant to search his residence on Wellman Street. The search uncovered nearly 2 kilos (1,878 grams) of cocaine, trafficking equipment, and $25,300 in suspected drug proceeds, according to the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency.

The seizure highlights ongoing efforts by Maine law enforcement to combat drug trafficking in the state. Cocaine remains a significant concern, and arrests like this emphasize the scale of trafficking operations within local communities.

Braggs now faces multiple drug-related charges as the investigation continues.

Are drug enforcement efforts in Maine effective enough to curb trafficking?"