Two charged with drug trafficking

Nov 16, 2022

Two New Bedford residents were arrested as a result of a drug trafficking investigation initiated by Dartmouth detectives, police announced Nov. 16.

According to police, officers with the assistance of members of the Massachusetts State Police and the Bristol County Sheriff’s Department, executed a search warrant at 542 Sawyer Street, New Bedford Tuesday afternoon.

During a search, detectives located and seized approximately 60 grams of suspected fentanyl, 37 grams of suspected crack cocaine, and approximately 13 grams of suspected powder cocaine. 

Police said detectives also located and seized approximately $2,513 in cash.

As a result of the incident, police arrested 33-year-old Roberto Encarnacion and 36-year-old Heather Cruz, charging them with trafficking fentanyl and cocaine, along with possession with intent to distribute cocaine. 

Encarnacion was also charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine (subsequent offense).

"I am very proud of my detectives, as they, along with the other investigators who they work in concert with, continue to take these dangerous individuals out of circulation,” Police Chief Brian Levesque said. “Their hard work shows their commitment to making the community a safer place for law-abiding citizens to enjoy."