RUMFORD – A man was arrested Thursday afternoon at his apartment in the Muskie Building, where police found $22,000 worth of narcotics and a loaded .44 Magnum handgun.

Robert P. Baker, 41, was charged with aggravated trafficking in schedule w drugs. Police found oxycontin, oxycodone and oxyir, along with the handgun and an unspecified amount of cash. The drugs have a street value of nearly $22,000, according to Rumford police.

Sgt. George Cayer said Baker had prescriptions for some of the narcotic pain killers but the amounts of medication exceeded normal limits.

Rumford police Sgt. Tracey Higley said Lt. Wayne Gallant, Higley, officer Dan Garbarini and Maine State Police Trooper Kyle Tilsley arrested Baker at 5:30 p.m. at his apartment on Congress Street.

The arrest is part of the Rumford Police Department’s ongoing Operation Snowball, which targets people believed to be dealing drugs.

“We’re trying to make as much headway as possible,” Higley said. “One of our main focuses is safety around schools, but we are also making a concerted effort throughout the whole community. We’re trying to keep all aspects of our community safe.”

Unable to make the $10,000 cash or $100,000 surety bail, Baker was transported to Oxford County Jail in South Paris. He was arraigned on the aggravated trafficking charges in 11th District Court in Paris on Friday morning. A court date will be in November, according to an Oxford County Jail spokesman.

According to a Police Department press release, the charge carries a maximum sentence of 40 years and a maximum fine of $50,000.

Baker was also arrested on a warrant from Aroostook County charging him with failure to appear in Presque Isle court on a charge of operating under the influence.

eadams@sunjournal.com

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