New Bedford Police make historic cocaine seizure with an estimated value of $1 million

NEW BEDFORD - A New Bedford detective's investigation into a cocaine delivery service has led to a historic cocaine seizure — more than 37 pounds — that's worth an estimated $1 million.

Detective Jonathan Miranda concluded his investigation May 1, and three search warrants were executed - one for 385 Farm St., apartment 2, one for 189 Deane St., apartment 1, and one for a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee connected to the target of the investigation, Gilberto Collazo, 31.

Collazo was charged with trafficking in excess of 200 grams of cocaine, which carries a potential penalty of 12 to 20 years in prison, according to a New Bedford Police Department press release.

17 kilos, or 37.5 pounds, were seized

Police said 17 kilos were located as a result of the searches, which is 37.5 pounds. Once cut and packaged for distribution its street value would be approximately $1 million.

“A seizure of this size, in this region of the country, is exceptionally uncommon,” said Chief Paul Oliveira. “It takes a dedicated detective working within a tenacious team to get this type of result. I’m always very proud of our narcotics unit, but I’m particularly delighted with them today.”

Massachusetts ranked 4th nationally for rate of cocaine use

Cocaine addiction is still a prevalent problem in Massachusetts. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, Massachusetts is ranked fourth in the country for the overall rate of cocaine use.

“This is a major seizure by any standard, and it is the result of skillful police work,” said Mayor Jon Mitchell. “I am grateful for the diligence of the department’s detectives in preventing this stash from ever reaching the streets, here, or elsewhere.”

DA will ask defendant be held without bail

“I am very pleased with the efforts of the New Bedford narcotics detectives, which led to the seizure of an extraordinary amount of cocaine,” said Bristol County District Attorney Thomas A. Quinn. “This is the biggest seizure of narcotics in recent memory, if not in the history of New Bedford. This case highlights the large amount of narcotics that continues to be trafficked in our communities on a daily basis. My office will be asking the court to detain this defendant and hold him without bail.”

If you have any information you would like to share with the police, you can do so anonymously by submitting a tip on the website or by calling 508-99-CRIME.

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: New Bedford Police take 37 pounds of cocaine off the streets