Two New Bedford men were apprehended last Thursday following what authorities described as a drug deal in the North End of the city. Detectives reported to have observed a transaction involving Andy Coakley, a 37-year-old known drug dealer, and Kenneth Medeiros, 45, near 1261 Church Street around 8 p.m. The encounter resulted in both men being detained by police.
Upon search, Coakley was discovered to possess three plastic bags containing a total of 104.2 grams of cocaine, two separate quantities of fentanyl weighing a combined 68.5 grams, in addition to $5,758 in cash suspected to be proceeds from drug sales. On the other hand, Medeiros was found with an Adderall stash of 6.8 grams and a further 4.9 grams of what is believed to be cocaine. The City of New Bedford Police Department posted these details on their official social media accounts, and the report stated that as a result of the evidence, Coakley is now facing multiple charges. These charges include distribution of cocaine, trafficking cocaine, trafficking fentanyl, a conspiracy to violate drug law, and resisting arrest. Meanwhile, Medeiros has been charged with possession.
According to the City of New Bedford Police Department Facebook post, Coakley's arrest record shows 31 adult arraignments, which include two prior convictions for cocaine and marijuana dealing. Disappointingly, 26 of his arraignments were dismissed. Reflecting on the arrests, New Bedford Police Chief Paul Oliveira commented, "It’s unfortunate that our detectives invest significant time and resources tracking known criminals who, despite repeatedly cycling through the criminal justice system, have their cases dismissed and are released back onto the streets of New Bedford." Oliveira also expressed his admiration for the detectives' commitment "to keeping our community safe, despite these setbacks."
Det. Nathaniel Almeida was recognized as the arresting officer in the operation. The police department urges anyone with additional information to contribute by calling the anonymous tip line at 508-99-CRIME or by visiting their website to submit a tip securely.
