PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — A Portland man formerly charged with murder is among five suspects accused of possessing and dealing crack cocaine and heroin.

The Maine Drug Enforcement Agency said the 46-year-old Randel Phillips and four people from New London, Conn., were arrested Tuesday as part of a long-term investigation into out-of-state suppliers of illegal drugs.

Phillips was charged with murder in the 2008 killing of Lashawn Covington. He pleaded guilty to reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon as part of an agreement that recognized that Phillips was defending himself against an armed intruder.

The Portland Press Herald said others charged in the drug case are Travon Brown, Kerri Philopena, Grisela Roman and Brian Reeves.