ROCKLAND — State and local law enforcement officers arrested two Rockland residents Wednesday after executing a search warrant at a Camden Street residence, where they seized bath salts and drug paraphernalia.

Tiffany Batty, 31, was arrested and charged with class B trafficking in synthetic hallucinogenic drugs (bath salts) and class D possession of synthetic hallucinogenic drugs after officers seized approximately 5 grams of alpha-Pyrrolidinopentiophenone, or a-PVP, a powerful synthetic stimulant, during the search. According to a MDEA press release, Batty also had an outstanding warrant for failure to appear on charges of burglary, theft and criminal trespass.

Also arrested at the residence during the search was Richard Emery, 39, who was charged with class C possession of synthetic hallucinogenic drugs. Emery was also charged with hindering apprehension for allegedly trying to hide Batty in a closet to prevent her from being arrested on the outstanding warrants.

During the search, which took place around 10 a.m. April 17, officers with the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and Rockland Police Department seized a-PVP, a scale, drug packaging materials, drug paraphernalia and other alleged evidence of drug trafficking, according to the release.

On March 20, MDEA and HSI agents intercepted 20 grams of a-PVP that had been shipped to Batty, according to the release. At that time, police said Batty could not be located.

The drug, a-PVP, has a retail street value in the Rockland area of $20-$30 for 1/10 of a gram.

The search warrant and subsequent arrests were the culmination of a two-month criminal investigation by MDEA, Rockland Police, Maine State Police, the Knox County Sheriff's Office and Homeland Security Investigations into the importation and sale of synthetic hallucinogenic drugs (bath salts) in the Rockland area.

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Editorial Director Holly S. Edwards can be reached by email at hollyedwards@penbaypilot.com or by calling 207-706-6655.