New Bedford Man Charged With Smuggling Drugs Into Dartmouth Jail

DARTMOUTH (WBSM) — A New Bedford man has been charged with attempting to smuggle a large amount of cocaine into the Bristol County House of Correction in Dartmouth.

How Investigators Uncovered the Smuggling Plot

Sheriff Paul Heroux made the announcement today, stating that investigators from the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit, led by Sergeant Christopher Vaz, began an investigation last month into a possible scheme by a former inmate. He said the inmate, who had warrants out for his arrest, “planned to intentionally turn himself into authorities so he could smuggle drugs back into the jail and make a substantial profit doing so.”

The former inmate was identified as Raymond Molina-Caraballo, 28, of New Bedford. Investigators began monitoring him, and on August 25, they learned he was at New Bedford District Court, where he was ordered held by the judge and set to be brought to the House of Correction.

What Officers Found During the Search

“At this time, S.I.U coordinated with transportation and booking staff to make sure that Molina-Caraballo was searched thoroughly upon his arrival from court, and upon doing so they confiscated a large amount of suspected cocaine as well as crack cocaine,” Heroux said. “In total, investigators seized over 11 grams of suspected crack cocaine, as well as nearly 26 grams of suspected powdered cocaine.”

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Charges Filed Against the Suspect

Molina-Caraballo was charged with trafficking a Class B substance, possession with intent to distribute a Class B substance, and delivering drugs or articles to a prisoner. He was arraigned in New Bedford District Court on September 26 and is currently being held at the House of Correction.

Sheriff Heroux on the Dangers of Contraband

“People introducing contraband into the jail, including drugs, do not appreciate or care about the disruption and at times harm that contraband causes,” Sheriff Heroux said. “Contraband is a challenge common to all correctional facilities in the country. It threatens the safety of staff and inmates.”