New Bedford Police Seize Gun, Drugs in Traffic Stop

NEW BEDFORD — Police in New Bedford have arrested a Fall River man after a tip led to officers allegedly finding him with oxycodone tablets and an unlicensed gun during a Tuesday traffic stop.

Police said in a release that narcotics detectives received a tip that led to the arrest of 27-year-old Harley Docanto on multiple firearms charges and one count of illegally possessing a class B substance.

According to police, narcotics detective Jordan DaSilva was tipped off about Docanto allegedly owning a firearm.

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Docanto was stopped by detectives in New Bedford's West End near the Durfee Street/Hathaway Boulevard intersection at around 10 a.m. Tuesday.

Police searched the vehicle and allegedly found a loaded .40 caliber handgun with an extended magazine, along with 43 tablets of oxycodone.

Docanto is charged with possessing a firearm, ammunition, and a high capacity feeding device without a license, as well as the narcotics possession charge.

In a release, the city's police department said that its officers recognize the connection between weapons and illicit drugs, and will continue to investigate tips about either.