Serial criminal arrested for drugs and firearms possession

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WLNE)- Jeremiah Coward, 31, of New Bedford, has been arrested for being in possession of multiple drugs and firearms. He is currently on probation for a previous crime until July 2023.

A search by officials found 128 grams of cocaine, 136 grams of fentanyl, 11 grams of Percocet pills, a digital scale, packaging materials, and $3,396 in cash. Police also took a loaded 9mm handgun and 5 rounds of ammunition.

Cowart is being charged with multiple charges including trafficking in excess of 100 grams of fentanyl and trafficking in excess of 100 grams of cocaine, possession of a firearm and ammunition without a license.

Cowart is known to police with 12 previous convictions and 7 open cases at the time of this arrest.

“Arrests like these are bittersweet to me. On the one hand, I am extraordinarily proud of the men and women of our department who go to great lengths in order to rid the streets of dangerous narcotics, firearms, and the individuals who trade in them.” said Chief Paul Oliveira, “On the other, I am dismayed that the overall system is not functioning well enough to adjudicate cases quickly, keep offenders behind bars, and close the revolving door which continually keeps officers busy with same individuals time and time again.”