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

The Standard-Times
Updated ·2 min read
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NEW BEDFORD — A New Bedford detective's investigation into cocaine trafficking has led to a historic cocaine seizure — more than 37 pounds — 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.

He was arraigned in New Bedford District Court, and held without bail. He is due back in court May 7 for a detention hearing.

A New Bedford detective's investigation into cocaine trafficking has led to a historic cocaine seizure of more than 37 pounds with an estimated worth of $1 million.
A New Bedford detective's investigation into cocaine trafficking has led to a historic cocaine seizure of more than 37 pounds with an estimated worth of $1 million.

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.

According to police, two kilos were allegedly found in his vehicle, and more than 15 kilos were allegedly found in the apartment search.

“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: very pleased with New Bedford detectives

“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."

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