NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — One person is in custody and a second remains at large after a “historic” drug bust on the South Coast of Massachusetts earlier this week yielded more than $1M in cash, fentanyl, and cocaine, law enforcement officials said.
Vinicio Marrero Arias, 38, of New Bedford, was arrested earlier this week on charges of trafficking in excess of 200 grams of fentanyl, as well as trafficking in excess of 18 grams of cocaine, according to the New Bedford Police Department.
Amado Delgado Mendez, 30, also of New Bedford, remains on the loose and has an active warrant for his arrest.
After recently concluding a monthslong investigation into drug distribution, detectives assigned to the department’s Organized Crime Intelligence Bureau executed a search warrant at addresses on Cottage Street and Plainville Road in New Bedford, as well as several storage containers and vehicles that were allegedly being used to store and transport illicit drugs throughout the area.
In total, $1,295,274 in cash, 830 grams of fentanyl, and 28 grams of cocaine were seized, along with digital scales, cutting agents, a hydraulic press, a vacuum sealer, and various other packaging materials, according to police.
In a statement, New Bedford Police Chief Paul Oliveira said, “A seizure of this magnitude can only be achieved through meticulous investigative skills and commitment...New Bedford police officers are relentless in their pursuit of individuals who poison the community for profit. Today, we celebrate the fruits of this labor. Tonight, they will be back out on the streets, looking for the next target. I’m immensely proud of the work being performed by them.”
Anyone with information on Mendez’s whereabouts is urged to contact New Bedford police at 508-991-6300.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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