The Maine Drug Enforcement Agency has arrested a Massachusetts man on charges of distributing cocaine in Knox and Waldo counties.

“The investigation is a result of concerning activity and quality of life issues reported to local law enforcement associated with suspected drug trafficking,” according to a Sept. 15 news release from the Maine Office of Public Safety. “Residents of several areas in Waldo and Knox County reported suspected illegal activities that concerned them which subsequently resulted in this arrest and identification of other local and out-of-state drug traffickers.”

On Wednesday, September 14, MDEA agents with the Mid-Coast District Task Force, assisted by Rockland Police, arrested Bernard Holmes-Fox, 29, of Boston, during an undercover operation in Rockland after Holmes-Fox allegedly delivered cocaine to an undercover agent, police said.

He has been charged with three counts of Class B Trafficking in Schedule W Drugs (Cocaine).

As part of the investigation, Maine police said, “agents conducted several undercover purchases of cocaine from Holmes-Fox over the past two weeks, at different locations within Knox County.”

They seized approximately seven grams of suspected cocaine, six grams of suspected cocaine base (crack), along with approximately $4,713 in suspected drug proceeds, as well as money used in the earlier undercover purchases from Holmes-Fox, the release said.

Holmes-Fox was transported to the Knox County Jail where bail was set at $20,000 cash. He is scheduled to appear in Knox Unified Court Friday, September 16.

Assisting MDEA in this arrest and ongoing investigation are the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, and Waldo County Sherriff’s Office. This investigation is continuing, and more arrests are likely, the release said.

If you have information about this investigation or the illegal sale of drugs in your community, you are urged to contact the Maine Drug Enforcement office closest to you or by texting MDEA to TIP411 (847411) or by calling the MDEA tip-line at 1-800-452-6457.