AUGUSTA — Four people face aggravated drug trafficking charges after police reported finding a large cache of heroin in a hotel room that was searched late Monday night, prompting a judge to later call the amount of drugs “shocking.”

Those charged are Alex Kanaris and Krystle Clark, both 27, of Sidney, and Andrew Redmond, 29, and Danielle Violette, 28, both of Augusta.

“It seems like Kennebec County is awash in heroin, fentanyl and cocaine in the last few years,” Judge Eric Walker said during their court appearances Wednesday. “The amount of drug here is shocking.”

Authorities said the agency had received reports of drug trafficking from a hotel room on Edison Drive.

Agents also reported finding a small amount of crack cocaine, and $3,852 in cash that authorities believe to be proceeds from drug sales.

From left: Andrew Redmond, Danielle Violette, Alex Kanaris, Krystal Clark.

The four arrested were found in the hotel room and were held at the Kennebec County jail in Augusta. They made initial appearances on the charges at the Capital Judicial Center on Wednesday via video from the jail.

Kanaris faces two counts of aggravated trafficking in heroin and one of aggravated trafficking in cocaine, all dated Monday. The state is also seeking forfeiture of $3,588 in cash reportedly found on him. One of the drug charges says Kanaris has a June 2017 felony conviction involving heroin in New Hampshire.

Walker set bail for Kanaris at $100,000 cash, the amount requested by the prosecutor, Assistant Attorney General Katie Sibley.

Kanaris, who was represented by attorney Stephen Sucy as lawyer of the day, opted against arguing bail. The judge said it could be revisited when an attorney was appointed in the case.

Redmond is charged with one count of aggravated trafficking in heroin and one count of unlawful trafficking in cocaine base as well as criminal forfeiture of $264.

Sucy requested $2,000 cash or $50,000 worth of property for bail for Redmond, whom he also represented as attorney of the day.

“He does admit he has a substance abuse problem,” Sucy told the judge. “He is a user.”

Sucy also said Redmond would go to inpatient substance abuse treatment.

Sibley requested — and Walker imposed — $75,000 bail for Redmond.

“Mr. Redmond was arrested as he exited the room,” Sibley said. “Prior to that he was seen engaging in drug activity, coming and going from that hotel room.”

She said he has prior convictions for assault, theft, violating conditions of release and criminal mischief.

“The state would place Mr. Redmond as one of the top two individuals in this operation,” Sibley said.

Walker agreed to the state’s bail request and said Redmond would need to have a Maine Pretrial Services contract if he is released on bail. “The amount seized in this is inconsistent with just plain use,” Walker said.

Walker also Clark is charged with one count of aggravated trafficking in heroin and one of unlawful trafficking in cocaine base as well as violation of conditions of release. Walker set her bail at $50,000 cash, and said that could be revisited once an attorney is assigned to represent her after she opted against contesting bail.

Violette is charged with one count of aggravated trafficking in heroin and one count of unlawful trafficking in cocaine base.

Judge Eric Walker set her bail at $10,000 cash, as requested by the state, but agreed to allow her to go to an in-patient drug treatment facility if one became available.

Sibley had requested that amount. “This is a very high cash bail for someone who has no criminal history,” Sibley said, citing the amount of drugs involved. She also noted that the charges against Violette reflected her role, which was possession with intent to distribute and accomplice liability. “She is probably the least culpable of all four.”

Attorney Matthew Kanwitt, acting as lawyer of the day, suggested $1,000 bail, saying Violette indicated she could raise that amount through family. Her mother and step-father were in the courtroom and briefly addressed the judge.

All four defendants are subject to bail conditions that prohibit them from use and possession of alcohol and illegal drugs, from contact with each other and from returning to the Augusta Inn. They also must remain in the state.

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