The Martha's Vineyard Times

Task Force nabs three New Bedford based Island drug suppliers

April 4, 2012

Martha's Vineyard Times File Photo

The Martha's Vineyard Drug Task Force has arrested two men from New Bedford and a woman from New Bedford but with Martha's Vineyard ties, who, police said, had set up shop to deal illegal narcotics out of rooms in the Surfside Motel on Oak Bluffs Avenue.

Two of the suspects have traveled back and forth between New Bedford and Martha's Vineyard to provide a steady supply of narcotics to the Island for distribution, police said.

Edgartown Detective Sergeant Chris Dolby said task force investigators watched Richard Nascimento, 34 of New Bedford and Shannon M. Reed, 31, an Island native who now lives in New Bedford, arrive on a Steamship Authority ferry on Thursday, March 29.

According to the drug task force, Mr. Nascimento and Ms. Reed traveled to Martha's Vineyard once a week over recent months to deal drugs. Arriving with them on the March 29 trip was Cory J. Rosa, 36, of New Bedford, police said.

All three traveled directly to the motel, rented rooms on separate floors, and began selling prescription narcotics and cocaine from the rooms, according to police.

Police got a search warrant and moved in on Mr. Nascimento and Ms. Reed.

"While officers were trying to make an entry, they went to the bathroom and flushed an unknown number of pills down the toilet," Det. Sgt. Dolby said. "We were able to recover four pills from the bathroom floor." Police seized $1,030 in cash. Police arrested both suspects.

The officers then executed a search warrant on a room rented by Mr. Rosa.

There they arrested him, and seized $1,265 in cash. Police also seized 30 Percocet tablets. Police say Mr. Rosa had a valid prescription for 150 pills, filled in New Bedford two days earlier.

All three face charges in Edgartown District Court of drug distribution and conspiracy to violate drug laws. Police say the investigation remains open, and they expect to make several more arrests.