State Police Recover Gun and Drugs in Vehicle Stop

State Police stopped a vehicle Saturday morning in New Bedford after witnessing the driver using his cell phone while operating.

Trooper Ryan Boswell, a recent graduate of the State Police Academy and his training officer ended up recovering an unlicensed 25-caliber handgun, ammunition, two clear bags of marijuana, a digital scale and $267 in cash.

According to a State Police press release, the stop happened around 8:30 a.m. on Deane Street in New Bedford.

The operator, 20-year old Jouseph Pacheco of New Bedford, was placed under arrest and charged with seven counts, including possession of a loaded handgun, possession of a handgun without a license, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and holding an electronic device, non-hands free.

Pacheco was booked at the State Police headquarters in Dartmouth and transported to the Ash Street Jail. He was scheduled for arraignment Monday in District Court.