NEW BEDFORD — Two New Bedford men have been arrested with more than 320 grams of cocaine after a vehicle and foot chase in the city's West End, according to police.

Police said 35-year-old Marcus Depina of Mill Street and 34-year-old Jonathan Sanchez of Jonathan Street were taken into custody on cocaine trafficking and other charges Monday night.

According to police, narcotics detectives from the organized crime bureau tried to stop a vehicle at Mill and Florence streets at around 9 p.m. on Monday.

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But the detectives said instead of stopping, the vehicle sped away, allegedly hitting a cruiser while fleeing the scene.

As the detectives gave chase, they said the suspect vehicle stopped at Hillman and Liberty streets and a passenger got out and fled on foot, while the vehicle sped off again.

The man who ran off on foot allegedly dropped several items into a bush while going through the Bedford Townhouses before he was caught and identified as Depina.

Police said he had thrown away three bags containing more than 320 grams of cocaine, which they later recovered from the bushes.

Meanwhile the driver of the vehicle continued "erratically at a high rate of speed" while detectives gave chase, according to police.

He eventually stopped on 195 westbound, at which point he was taken into custody and identified as Sanchez.

According to police, a search of the vehicle turned up a small baggie of fentanyl and more than $3,750 in cash.

Both Depina and Sanchez are charged with trafficking more than 200 grams of cocaine, possessing with intent to distribute a class A substance, and conspiracy to violate the drug laws.

Sanchez — who has a previous cocaine trafficking conviction, according to police — is also charged with failing to stop for police and reckless driving.

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