New Bedford Police Arrest Three After Executing Two Search Warrants

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — New Bedford Police arrested three people Tuesday as the result of two investigations, taking a gun and drugs off the streets.

Firearm Seized in the West End

According to police, on the morning of May 13, Detective Jonathan Miranda concluded an investigation into an illegally possessed firearm at 248 Chestnut Street. Police said the target of the investigation was Cade Batista, 18, who had a warrant out for his arrest for violating his probation.

The Southeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council SWAT team was called in to gain entry into Batista’s home, and inside, police said detectives located a Ruger LCP .380 pistol loaded with six rounds of ammunition.

Batista was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition without an FID card.

Drug Arrest at Harborview Towers

Police said that later in the same day, Detective Matthew Couture completed an investigation into a cocaine distribution service allegedly being operated out of 60 S. Second Street, Apt. 5F. A search warrant was executed with the target being Jonathan Brito, 34.

Police said Brito and a woman – identified as Kaijah’kay Santos, 23, of New Bedford – were in Brito’s vehicle at the time of the search.

According to police, detectives seized 19 grams of crack cocaine and $105 in cash from Brito’s person, and found packaging materials and a digital scale inside the apartment. They also said detectives searched Brito’s vehicle and found 8.3 grams of crack, Adderall tabs, 273.8 grams of marijuana and $842 in cash.

Brito was charged with trafficking 18 grams or more of cocaine and conspiracy to violate the drug law, while Santos was charged with possession to distribute a Class B and D drug, and conspiracy to violate the drug law.