New Bedford Police make arrest, conclude investigation into fentanyl distribution service
NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WLNE) — The New Bedford Police Department said it has concluded an investigation into a fentanyl distribution service being run out of an apartment on Church Street on April 29.
According to New Bedford police, officers executed a search warrant for an apartment at Woodbridge Estates, with 34-year-old Justin Wheeler as the target of the search.
Inside the apartment, police allegedly discovered 96 grams of cocaine, 15.9 grams of fentanyl, suboxone strips, six 3D printed polymer pistol frames, one complete .40 caliber Smith and Wesson slide, two stripped pistol slides, assorted pistol parts, three 3D printed pistol magazines, 3D printer with accessories, 33 rounds of 9 mm ammo, 86 rounds of .556 ammo, a narcotics press, cell phones, digital scales, packaging materials, and $3,470.
Wheeler was arrested and charged with 37 offenses, including unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, possession of ammunition without an FID card, possession of an untraceable firearm, use of a printer without an LTC, possession of an untraceable firearm on commission of a felony, tracking in more than 10 grams of fentanyl, trafficking in 36 grams or more of cocaine, and possession of a class B drug.
Police said Wheeler was on probation during the time of the arrest.
New Bedford police ask anyone with information to contact the department by submitting a tip on its website or calling the anonymous tip line at 508-99-CRIME.
