Brunswick man charged with methamphetamine trafficking

BRUNSWICK — Police arrested a local man as he got off a train from Boston carrying 180 grams of “crystal” methamphetamine this week.

John Katula Photo by Maine Drug Enforcement Agency

Officers of the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency arrested John Katula, 44, on two felony charges for having and trafficking methamphetamine. Conviction on one of the charges carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison; the other, five years.

In a news release, Department of Public Safety spokesman Stephen McCausland wrote that drug agents, assisted by Brunswick police, Amtrak police and state police, arrested Katula at 4:30 p.m. Monday as he returned from Boston with a shipment of “crystal” methamphetamine.

Agents approached Katula as he left the Amtrak Downeaster in the city’s downtown.

Authorities seized 108 grams of “crystal” methamphetamine with a street value of $10,000 and other items associated with distributing the drug, according to the statement.

Drug agents said the drug was going to be distributed in Cumberland and Androscoggin counties, according to the release.

Katula had been free on bail on a charge of violating a protection-from-abuse order. He also was charged with violating conditions of release.

Katula was taken to Cumberland County Jail in Portland where bail was set at $10,000. He was expected to make his initial court appearance Wednesday in Portland.