NEW BEDFORD — The police narcotics unit seized 42 grams of Fentanyl and a stolen loaded firearm Tuesday evening.

As part of an investigation into a Fentanyl distribution service being operated out of a vehicle, detectives stopped a vehicle driven by the target of the search, Reynaldo Melendez, 26, of 868 Shawmut Avenue, New Bedford, in the area of Hathaway Boulevard and Highland Street.

Using a warrant, a search of the vehicle yielded a loaded Parabellum firearm with nine rounds of 9 mm ammunition, which was determined to be stolen, 42 grams of Fentanyl, 114 tablets and more than $500 in cash. A search of his residence yielded a digital scale and packaging materials.

Detectives subsequently arrested Melendez on charges of trafficking in Fentanyl, carrying a loaded, large capacity firearm, carrying a firearm without a license, receiving stolen property less than $1,200, possession of class E substance with intent to distribute, two counts of possession of class E substance, unlawful possession of a large capacity rifle and conspiracy to violate drug laws.

A passenger in the vehicle, Joevanni L. Arroyo, 25, of the same Shawmut Ave. address was charged with carrying a loaded firearm, carrying a firearm without a license, receiving stolen property less than $1200, possession to distribute class E substance, two counts of possession of class E substance, unlawful possession of a large capacity rifle and conspiracy to violate drug laws.

Tatiana Irizarry, 26, of 868 Shawmut Ave., New Bedford, was charged with four warrant arrests.

New Bedford Police Department

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