New Bedford Police Seize Over 50 Grams of Fentanyl and Arrest Two Men

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — New Bedford Police seized over 50 grams of fentanyl and arrested two men after observing a suspected drug transaction over the weekend in the city’s South End.

According to police, Sgt. Jonathan Lagoa was patrolling Acushnet Avenue between Blackmer Street and Delano Street on March 1 when he observed two men engaged in an alleged drug transaction.

Lagoa approached the men – identified as Joshua Travassos, 30, and Keith Fleming, 38, both of New Bedford — and police said that “Travassos began to struggle with Sgt. Lagoa as both men attempted to discard items in their hands.”

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Police were able to place both men in custody, and they were allegedly found in possession of over 50 grams of fentanyl and eight grams of cocaine. Travassos also had $1,186 in cash while Fleming had $140. The money and drugs were seized.

Both Travassos and Fleming are charged with trafficking fentanyl in excess of 36 grams, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and conspiracy to violate drug laws.

Police said Travassos also faces additional charges for being a repeat offender, following a conviction in Bristol Superior Court in 2018 for possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

He was also arrested in 2015 for allegedly stealing a car and in 2020 for allegedly robbing and assaulting a woman.

Fleming was arrested in 2019 for allegedly possessing a Class B substance and conspiracy to violate drug laws.