Dartmouth Police Arrest Two on Drug Charges

DARTMOUTH (WBSM) — Two individuals were arrested on drug charges following an alleged shoplifting incident in Dartmouth.

On Saturday, May 4 at 10:30 a.m., Dartmouth Police responded to Walmart regarding a reported shoplifting. Officers arrived to find a male in the store and a female who then fled the area in a vehicle.

The female, later identified as Ashley Vertentes, 32, of New Bedford, was found to have an active warrant and was later located at the Dartmouth Motor Inn.

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During the arrest, police said they found packaging materials, digital scales and suspected narcotics in the room.

According to police, a search warrant further revealed approximately 10 grams of suspected fentanyl, approximately 12 grams of suspected crack cocaine, approximately four grams of suspected powder cocaine, numerous other illicit pills, digital scales, cutting agents, and various other suspected narcotic packaging materials.

In addition to the warrant arrest, Vertentes was charged with shoplifting.

She will also receive a summons for charges including possession with intent to distribute a Class A substance, two counts of possession with intent to distribute Class B, two counts of possession with intent to distribute Class E, and conspiracy to violate drug laws.

In connection to the search, Dartmouth Police also arrested Lance Alford, 54, of Randolph.

Alford is being charged with possession with intent to distribute a Class A substance, two counts of possession with intent to distribute Class B, possession with intent to distribute Class A (subsequent offense), two counts of possession with intent to distribute Class B (subsequent offense), two counts of possession with intent to distribute Class E, and conspiracy to violate drug laws.