From the Bangor Daily News
BANGOR - The trial of an Easton man accused of being part of a multimillion dollar statewide marijuana smuggling and distribution ring began Thursday in U.S. District Court in Bangor with the testimony of the man who "swam" the St. John River with bales of Canadian marijuana on his back.
Archie Ladner, 42, pleaded not guilty last year to being part of a conspiracy to import and distribute more than $5.2 million worth of marijuana between Aroostook County and Portland in 2004.
At least six others have been charged in the conspiracy, including Michael J. Pelletier, 50, of St. David who ran the operation from his wheelchair while collecting disability benefits, according to court documents.
Ladner allegedly operated as the driver for Adam M. Haffner, 37, of Westfield because Haffner did not have a driver’s license. Ladner would pick Haffner up on Route 1 after he had crossed the river with the drugs, then the two men would take the marijuana to a prearranged location chosen by Pelletier, Haffner testified Thursday. Ladner also allegedly delivered marijuana for Pelletier to other dealers in Winn and Portland.
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