A Lakes Region law enforcement person has recently begun working with the Federal Drug Enforcement Agency (D.E.A.) in order to follow up on leads and tips that used to wither away from a lack of money and time.

The D.E.A. has the manpower and the budget to chase every tip that comes along. As the name implies, the agency has drug enforcement as its sole function. If they need someone to go undercover they simply assign whatever number of people are needed to that case, and there are scores of willing personnel to pick from for the most demanding assignments.

Local police do not have the same luxury, but with the rise in drug dealing activity in the Lakes Region it was clear to the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department that someone from their force was needed on the front lines.

“We have seen the numbers of drug cases increasing in the Lakes Region,” said Captain Bill Rhoads, with the Sheriff’s Department. “We were getting leads that slipped through the cracks. Now we have a person to follow every tip and see the bigger picture, and they work within a network of law enforcement agencies. This is important because someone in the network may have more information than someone else, and that could be vital to an investigation. Now we have a way to share our leads.”

Rhoads said, “In the 70s, I did some drug work, and I hated it. The hours were awful. It was not a 40 hour-a-week job. You aren’t dealing with the nicest people in the world either. We approached this officer. The decision was left up to them whether or not to take the assignment.”

Asked about area drug activities, Rhoads said, “We are seeing marijuana, heroin, cocaine, pills and some Crystal Methamphetamine. It is our job to look at all drugs because they are illegal. This area is a direct route from Canada, and we see it all.”

Officer “No Name” cannot be identified for this story, or through this story. For the sake of this interview, the officer’s identity was shielded and remains so. The officer could be a man, or a woman. She or he could be older, or younger, depending on your reference. It could be your neighbor of 20 years, or the new tenant in your building. This person is blending into a new environment.

Officer No Name must remain anonymous. The information regarding the investigator’s real identity and purpose would certainly jeopardize lives and perhaps not just No Name’s own life.

With this new territory come so many questions: How do you disappear from your current life style? How do you say “goodbye” to your friends and family to drop off the face of your little corner of the world? How do you then drop into a totally new situation and make it your new life?

In a series of answers to interview questions, the undercover officer wrote, “I have to fight the urge to do things I used to do. Just making sure I am neatly groomed and dressed is an old habit I need to avoid now. I need to melt into my new surroundings. I have to be more laid back.”

“Drugs and crime go hand-in-hand. People need to support their habits. I am here to curtail drug-related crimes. It is getting out of control in Maine. Some of the people I see are just kids and it would be a big surprise to many at how young they are. I also see motorcycle gangs and ethnic gangs involved in these dealings. They are right here in Portland and around the state,” said No Name.

“This is important work. But drug work is dangerous. I do carry a cell phone and a pager. I am alone out there and I have to be careful. This is different from other assignments I have had. I could get arrested. I have the opportunity to learn about this area of investigations,” said No Name.

“Some of the people I look at will have to forfeit cash, houses and toys, like boats and cars,” said the undercover officer. “I am not looking at this along those lines, but it can be a big plus. It can benefit the agency and the people of Maine. My main objective is on the arrests though. If I make a difference, then it is well worth it.”

No Name sees this as a career move. The assignment is high profile within the department and could lead to quick promotions. If asked, the officer might consider staying on the job beyond the present one-year commitment.

“I know who I am deep down. I want to do work that makes a difference. I am keeping that focus,” said No Name.