New Bedford Police Arrest Two, Recover Untraceable Firearm

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — New Bedford Police arrested two people, including a repeat offender, and took a gun and drugs off the street in the city’s South End recently.

Surveillance Leads to Arrests in the South End

New Bedford Police said that on December 22, Detective Stephanie Connolly was conducting surveillance when she saw two people enter a vehicle, including Julio Camacho, 39, of New Bedford. Connolly had previously received information that Camacho was illegally in possession of a firearm. The other person was later identified as Christina Duarte, 44, of New Bedford.

New Bedford Police collaborated with Massachusetts State Police and were able to place Camacho and Duarte in custody.

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Police Recover Untraceable Poly80 Firearm

According to police, Camacho was found in possession of a crack pipe, fentanyl, 28 grams of cocaine and $126 in cash. A search of the vehicle also turned up what police said was an untraceable Poly80 firearm from the front passenger side.

Repeat Offender’s Criminal History Detailed

“Camacho has a lengthy criminal history, with 105 adult entries, including multiple guilty findings for violent and drug-related offenses,” police said. “He also had multiple outstanding warrants at the time of his arrest.”

Charges Filed Against Both Suspects

Camacho was charged with a variety of offenses, including carrying a firearm without a license, trafficking 18 grams or more of cocaine, possession to distribute a Class A drug, possession to distribute a Class B drug, possession of an untraceable firearm, and traffic offenses. Police said possessing a firearm after a violent crime or drug-related conviction also brings additional penalties.

Duarte was charged with carrying an untraceable firearm without a license.