New Bedford Police: Gun, Fentanyl and Cocaine Seized in South End Bust

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — Two New Bedford men, including one with a history of run-ins with the law, were arrested recently on gun and drug charges.

Known Dealer Under Surveillance

New Bedford Police said that on Friday, July 25, Detective Nathan Almeida was conducting surveillance near Delano Street in the city’s South End. At about 7:15 p.m., he “observed a known drug dealer, also known to have a suspended driver’s license, operating a motor vehicle,” according to police.

Almeida pulled over the driver, identified as Jonathan Salazar, 30, and “believed a narcotics transaction had occurred,” police said. Detectives later saw Salazar driving a vehicle with a passenger, identified as Edmilson Menes Gomes, 29.

Fentanyl, Cocaine, and Cash Seized

The vehicle was stopped and searched, and police said 23.6 grams of fentanyl, 16.9 grams of cocaine, packaging materials and $873 in cash were found.

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Gun and Ammo Found in Apartment

Salazar was arrested and his apartment was searched, where police said they found another 22.5 grams of suspected fentanyl, 17.6 grams of crack cocaine, and a Walther PPKS .380 handgun loaded with eight rounds of ammunition. He does not possess a license to carry a firearm.

Charges Filed Against Both Suspects

Salazar is charged with operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license, conspiracy to violate drug laws, trafficking in 36 grams or more of fentanyl, trafficking in 18 grams or more of cocaine, illegally attached plates, and possession of a firearm and ammunition without an FID card.

Gomes was also arrested and charged with conspiracy to violate the drug law, trafficking in 18 grams or more of fentanyl, and possession to distribute a Class B drug.

Gomes has a lengthy history of arrests for alleged crimes such as trespassing (2017), drug possession (2017), armed robbery (2023), and crack cocaine distribution (2024).