CARIBOU (AP) – A three-month investigation into what authorities said was a methamphetamine distribution ring in Aroostook County has netted two more suspects.

A raid during the night at the home of the alleged ringleader, Bruce Gustafson, led to the seizure of more than a half pound of meth, 55 grams of cocaine and $53,000 in cash, the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency said Friday.

Gustafson, 46, and Troy Ayotte, 38, fled the Washburn Road home but were quickly chased down by a police dog and apprehended, authorities said.

Agents found a closed-circuit surveillance system in the home, which had been positioned to monitor the area outside.

Gustafson was being held in lieu of $25,000 bail on a charge of aggravated trafficking in methamphetine. Ayotte was released on bail after being charged with trafficking in the drug.

Three other men suspected of being members of the meth ring were arrested earlier this year, and the MDEA said more arrests were anticipated.

The agency said it began the investigation in response to information that suspects in the Caribou-Presque Isle area were allegedly bringing methamphetamine into the county. Agents found that the drug, which was likely manufactured outside Maine, was being sold in the Caribou area, Presque Isle and Houlton.

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