Police Arrest Three, Seize Drugs and Guns in Raid

NEW BEDFORD — On Monday, March 4, the New Bedford Police Narcotics Unit continued its crackdown on drug distribution services in the city, concluding an investigation into a cocaine distribution service being operated out of 37 Ashley Street.

Police arrested Joeshua Matos-Dejesus, 22; Brian Santiago, 18; and Luis Santiago, 21; all of 37 Ashley Street, after a search warrant resulted in the discovery of more than 19 grams of crack cocaine and two firearms.

All three men were charged with trafficking cocaine in excess of 18 grams. Matos-Dejesus and Brian Santiago were also charged each with unlawful possession of a firearm and additional firearm and narcotics violations.

Joeshua Matos-Dejesus currently has three open cases in New Bedford District Court; two of those cases are connected to narcotics violations.

All three men are due to be arraigned at New Bedford Third District Court on Tuesday, March 5.

Over the past two months, members of the New Bedford Police Department Narcotics Unit broke up five separate drug distribution services, arresting six alleged drug traffickers. 

Information from the New Bedford Police Department