In an unprecedented crackdown, the New Bedford Police Department hit the jackpot with a record-breaking cocaine haul. Detective Jonathan Miranda spearheaded the operation that spanned multiple locations and led to the confiscation of 17 kilos of cocaine worth around $1 million on the streets, according to authorities.
Three search warrants were executed on May 1st, including one each at 385 Farm St., apartment #2, 189 Deane St., apartment #1, and involving a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. These searches resulted in the largest seizure of the famed white powder New Bedford cops have ever seen.
Chief Paul Oliveira lauded the remarkable effort of his narcotic unit in an official statement, noting that "A seizure of this size, in this region of the country, is exceptionally uncommon." Mayor Jon Mitchell echoed this sentiment, recognizing the formidable police work that kept the substantial cache of drugs off the street.
The prime suspect, 31-year-old GILBERTO COLLAZO, faces serious time behind bars if convicted of trafficking in excess of two hundred grams of cocaine. In a major play by the legal system, the Bristol County District Attorney's Office has its sights on detaining COLLAZO without bail. District Attorney Thomas A. Quinn was quoted, saying, "This is a biggest seizure of narcotics in recent memory, if not in the history of New Bedford."
Cocaine use remains a thorny issue in Massachusetts, which ranks fourth nationwide for overall cocaine use rates, as detailed in a report by USA Today. Meanwhile, the New Bedford Police Department encourages anyone with helpful information to step forward, offering an anonymous tip line accessible both online and via phone at 508-99-CRIME.
