NEW BEDFORD — Members of the New Bedford Police narcotics unit took a loaded, stolen gun and more than 30 grams of cocaine off the street and arrested three people Monday as part of an investigation into a cocaine delivery service out of 164 Holly Street, Apartment 3.

The target of the investigation, 27-year-old Edwin Jorge, of that address, and two other individuals were located in a motor vehicle after police made a traffic stop.

One of the passengers in the vehicle, Nicholas Santiago, 27, of 239 Broadway Street, Fall River, was found with a loaded 9mm Ruger, containing seven rounds, with one in the chamber. The gun was determined to be stolen out of Westfield. He was also found with a small amount of cocaine and $3,261 in currency. He was arrested on charges of carrying a loaded firearm, carrying a firearm without a license, felony possession of a firearm, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and receiving stolen property over $250.

Santiago is no stranger to the criminal justice system. In 2010, he was arrested with two firearms and was later sentenced to 18 months in the house of correction.

When police executed the search warrant in the Holly Street apartment, they discovered about 30 grams of crack cocaine, digital scales, packaging materials and $594 in currency.

Edwin Jorge was charged with trafficking in cocaine (more than 18 grams) and conspiracy to violate drug laws. He has 18 adult arraignments at New Bedford District Court. All 18 cases have been dismissed. Jorge was just arrested two weeks ago on weapons charges for carrying an illegal knife.

24-year-old Paige Tavares of the same address was charged with trafficking in cocaine (more than 18 grams) and conspiracy to violate drug laws.

The arrests were made at about 9:21 p.m.

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