Waterville-Area Drug Dealer is Guilty, Faces Up to Life in Prison

The man at the center of Waterville's biggest drug bust is found guilty and could get life in prison.

It was in December 2021 when Victor Nicholas Soto Sanchez was arrested at his home on College Avenue in Waterville. Police had executed a search warrant after a traffic stop and seized six pounds of fentanyl and five pounds of cocaine from the residence as well as a number of firearms. Waterville's Police Chief Joe Massey said it was the largest drug bust in the city's history. At the time of his arrest, Soto Sanchez had two active arrest warrants from other states. A native of the Dominican Republic, he is in the United States illegally.

The street value of the drugs was estimated to be approximately $780,000.

This week, Soto Sanchez was found guilty in a Bangor courtroom of two counts of possession with intent to distribute. WLBZ-TV reports he faces a sentence that could be as little as 10 years but could also be as much as life in prison. In addition, Soto Sanchez could be fined up to $10 million dollars.

How Do I Report Suspected Drug Activity?

If you suffer from substance use disorder, you're encouraged to call 211 or text your zip code to 898-211 for a list of resources available in your area.

Anyone with information about this investigation or the illegal sale of drugs in their community is urged to contact the Maine Drug Enforcement office closest to them. Information can also be reported by texting MDEA to TIP411 (847411) or by calling the MDEA tip line at 1-800-452-6457.