NEW BEDFORD —New Bedford Police narcotics detectives took an illegal handgun off the street and arrested a suspect with a lengthy criminal history on Wednesday night,  following an investigation into illegal activity in a basement apartment at 15 Smith Street.

Detectives executed a search warrant at the location and seized a Taurus Judge revolver, three rounds of .410 shotgun shells, two rounds of .45 long colt ammunition, digital scales and packaging materials. The revolver was not properly stored in a locked container, did not have a trigger lock or locking mechanism and had a defaced serial number.

Detectives arrested Jose Luis Colon, 44, of that address. He was charged with possession of a firearm without a license, unlawful possession of ammunition, possession of a firearm with a defaced serial number, improper storage of a firearm and firearm violation with three prior violent/drug crimes.

Colon is being held pending a dangerousness hearing.

New Bedford Police Department

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