Bristol County Drug Sweep: 13 Arrested

NEW BEDFORD, MA — A drug sweep in New Bedford Thursday netted 13 arrests, police announced Friday. Crack cocaine, marijuana, a handgun and rifle were seized. Suspects were accused of crack cocaine distribution and illegal possession of a weapon, among other crimes. The arrest were "part of a citywide sweep targeting narcotics use and other illegal activity," New Bedford police said in a statement.

Police said the sweep included a raid at a Warren Street apartment that resulted in the arrest of Francisco Gonzalez, 54. Police said they found a .25-caliber handgun, marijuana, drug distribution material and $1,285 in cash. (Sign up for free daily newsletters and breaking news alerts from Massachusetts Patch sites.)

Gonzalez was charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute (subsequent offense), possession of a firearm without a license and improper storage of a firearm. Police said he was convicted of drug distribution in 2007.

Police provided the following information on the 12 other suspects:

• Devin D. Nickerson, 21, of Middleboro, was charged with possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribute and operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license. Police found crack cocaine in the vehicle along with $690 in cash.
• Fidel Fuentes, 57, of New Bedford, was also arrested for operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license. He was stopped on Ashley Boulevard.
• Steven E. Pepin, 62, of New Bedford. He was located at Ashley Boulevard and Sawyer Street.
• Paula Little, 40, of Taunton. She was located at Tallman Street and Acushnet Avenue.
• Jason FInnerty, 32, of New Bedford. He was located on Coffin Avenue.
• Brian Chandanais, 29, of New Bedford. He was located on Acushnet Avenue.
• Tara L. Lucas, 31, of New Bedford. She was located on Acushnet Avenue and Nye Street.
• Victor M. Silva, 42, of New Bedford. He was located on Cove Street.
• Thomas John Branquinho, 48, of New Bedford. He was located on Winsor and County Street.
• Deborah J. Baliko, 51, of New Bedford. She was located on Hemlock and Sidney Street.
• Guy L. Pettie, 54, of New Bedford. He was located at Brock Avenue and George Street.
• Diego A. Perez-Martinez, of New Bedford. He was located on Sawyer Street.

"Detectives continue to focus their efforts on fighting criminal activity in the areas of Roosevelt Street, County Street and North Front Street," police said. "The New Bedford Police Department thanks the public for information that has helped in this effort and encourages residents to contact police with information that can help in police investigations."

Photo: Patch/File