New Bedford gym owner arrested as part of Federal drug bust

The owner of a boxing gym in New Bedford is one of nine people charged in connection with a federal drug bust.

Sharik Mendes is the owner of HEART Gym in the city’s North End. He is facing charges for distributing heroin throughout Bristol County.

Despite his arrest, the gym was still open Thursday night. Our cameras were greeted by men telling us to get off of the property. They were quick to intercept anyone working out at the gym from talking with us.

A criminal complaint alleges that the 39-year-old brought in large quantities of heroin from at least two suppliers in Providence.

The gym owner is said to have employed Tyson Depina, one of the other men arrested, to distribute drugs on his behalf.

The court papers say Depina was providing Mendes with $1,000 to $2,000 a day.

The two were tracked via wire tap. Police believe Mendes was "co-mingling the drug proceeds to pay for the gym"

People who live near the gym tell ABC 6 News they are not pleased to hear the allegations against Mendes.

"It’s pretty crazy I mean I know a lot of drugs have been going around the city but we live in a nice neighborhood I have two young kids there’s a lot of kids that live in this neighborhood. I don’t like it,” said Luis Rocha.

"it’s a little scary seeing that I have a six year old and a 9 month old so just having them around if they were doing anything that would be a little frightening,” said Curtis Boardman.

Mendez appeared in federal court in Boston on Thursday.

The charges against him can carry a penalty of up to 20 years in prison.

Below is a list of all those facing charges in the drug bust:

Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine:

1)      Luis Lopez, a/k/a “Juan Gonzalez,” 43, of Tiverton, R.I. and Fall River;

3)      Chindy Diaz, 38, of New Bedford;

5)      Tyson Britto, a/k/a “Peanut,” 31, of Fall River; and,

6)      Israel Santiago, a/k/a “Reysito,” 39, of Fall River.  

The following defendants are charged in a related federal criminal complaint with:

Conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute heroin:

1)      Sharik Mendes, 39, of New Bedford; and

2)      Tyson Depina, a/k/a “Tru,” 40, of New Bedford.

(C) WLNE 2016