Portsmouth Man Charged in Newport Heroin Dealing Investigation

Two area men are facing drug charges after a Newport police investigation into heroin dealing in the lower Broadway area.

Matthew Botelho, 24, of 69 Touro St., Newport; and Stephen Souza, 23, of 217 Spring Hill Road, Portsmouth, were arrested on Wednesday and are both being held at the Adult Correctional Institutions in Cranston after arraignment in Second Division District Court in Newport this morning.

Police said the investigation, led by Lt. Michael Naylor, Dets. Seth Godek, Ryan Doyle and Officer Seth Moseley, used an undercover police officer who was able to buy drugs from both men during the month-long investigation.

Police were working on ongoing information about illegal drug sales in the lower Broadway area.

The investigation culminated in the two arrests yesterday as Botelho was arrested as he stepped off a bus at 4:40 p.m. at the RK Town Center.

He is facing charges of three counts of delivery of herion.

Souza was arrested on Ayrault St. at 6:56 p.m. and is facing a charge of delivery of heroin and two counts of conspiracy to deliver heroin.

Police said the investigation is ongoing and they have a warrant for the arrest of a third person.