Drug task force arrests man suspected of dealing cocaine

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Police displayed 13.5 grams of cocaine concealed in a coffee bag, cash, and a phone they said was seized in a drug arrest.

Police arrested David Chagas, 30, who lists addresses in both Fairhaven and Vineyard Haven, on a charge of dealing cocaine, shortly after he arrived on the Island by ferry Monday morning.

A month long investigation by members of the Martha’s Vineyard Drug Task Force revealed Mr. Chagas has been transporting cocaine to Martha’s Vineyard and distributing the illegal drug, according to a statement released by Oak Bluffs police. During the investigation, police learned his right to drive was suspended in an unrelated case.

Officers observed Mr. Chagas drive off a Steamship Authority ferry in Vineyard Haven at 11:30 am, and stopped his vehicle a short distance away.

“Chagas was placed under arrest on Franklin Street in Tisbury for operating a motor vehicle after suspension,” according to the statement. “Upon searching the vehicle Chagas was operating, which was a 2003 Chevy Silverado registered to Luis Lopes of Vineyard Haven, officers located a ‘Café Bustelo’ coffee grinds bag that was wrapped in duct tape. A subsequent search of the coffee grinds bag revealed 3 individual plastic bags that were wrapped inside a single plastic bag. The 3 individual plastic bags contained a white powdery substance that was consistent with cocaine.”

During booking at the Dukes County Jail, officers found an additional plastic bag they suspect to be cocaine, according to police.

Police say they seized a total of 13.5 grams of cocaine, with a street value of approximately $1,350.

Mr. Chagas is scheduled for arraignment on October 17 in Edgartown District Court.