FARMINGTON — Police said two Farmington men were arrested early Thursday morning on charges of aggravated trafficking of heroin and illegal importation of drugs following an investigation over the past few weeks.

Mark Barrett, 59, and Guy Stevens, 42, were charged after police obtained search warrants for their homes on Lucy Knowles Road and Barrett’s vehicle.

Police intercepted Barrett’s vehicle around midnight Thursday on Lucy Knowles Road with the search warrants in hand, Police Chief Jack Peck said. The men were returning from out of state with heroin they purchased to sell here, he said.

Police found over 38.6 grams of heroin with an approximate street value of between $6,000 and $8,000 in Barrett’s vehicle, he said.

Barrett was armed with a handgun when arrested at 12:15 a.m. Thursday. That elevated the charge to a Class A felony, Peck said.

Conviction of a Class A crime is punishable by up to 30 years in prison and up to a $50,000 fine. 

During a search of Barrett’s home, police found hundreds of small zip-lock plastic bags, typically used for packaging and selling illegal drugs, he said.

Police also found three shotguns, five rifles, 12 handguns and multiple boxes of ammunition.

Peck was unsure if anything had been found in Stevens’ home.

An investigation began months ago by Detective Stephen Charles of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.  

Recently, Farmington Detective Darin Gilbert received information about the two suspects selling drugs in Farmington. The two detectives began working together and obtained the search warrants, Peck said.

Wilton Police Department and Maine State Police also assisted.

Barrett’s vehicle, a 2006 Honda Accord, was seized along with the other evidence.

The men were taken to Franklin County Detention Center, where bail was set at $75,000 cash for each, according to a jail officer. 

abryant@sunmediagroup.net