New Bedford Police Arrest Nine in Drug Busts

NEW BEDFORD — New Bedford narcotics detectives arrested nine people in drug busts on Thursday, March 14.

Just before 1:30 p.m., two people were arrested in the area of the Post Office on Orchard Street as a result of street-level drug activity. Police say a small amount of a controlled substance, identified in police logs as a "brown powder," was recovered. Police arrested 51-year-old Michael Anthony Paulette and 39-year-old Paula M. Fernandes, both of New Bedford, and they are each charged with possession as well as conspiracy to violate drug laws.

Then just after 2 p.m., narcotics detectives observed three people engaged in street-level drug activity in the area of 60 Lucas Street. They arrested 43-year-old Tammy Elliot and 55-year-old Thomas Vincent Watkinson, Jr., both of New Bedford, charging them with possession of a Class B substance (crack cocaine) and conspiracy to violate drug laws. Police also arrested 40-year-old Hernan Benique of Fairhaven on two counts of possession with intent to distribute a Class B substance, as well as conspiracy to violate drug laws. A small amount of cocaine was also seized.

Shortly before 3 p.m., narcotics detectives observed two people engaged in street-level drug activity in the area of 1025 Cove Road. Carlos C. Silva, 42, of New Bedford was arrested for possession of a Class A drug (fentanyl), possession of a Class E drug (gabapentin) and conspiracy to violate drug laws. He was also charged with driving an unregistered motor vehicle, illegally attaching plates and driving with a suspended or revoked license. Also arrested was 46-year-old Richelle Marie Mahar for possession of a Class A drug and conspiracy to violate drug laws.

Police then executed a search warrant at 59 Covell Street, Apartment 1E. As a result, they seized a small amount of a Class B substance, as well as cash. They arrested the occupants of the residence, 26-year-old Tyler Elias Trinidad and 29-year-old Stephanie R. Serrano on possession with intent to distribute a Class B substance (including a subsequent offense charge for Trinidad) and conspiracy to violate drug laws.