New Bedford Man Flees Police, Arrested for Fentanyl Trafficking

NEW BEDFORD--New Bedford Police took nearly 60 grams of Fentanyl off the streets and arrested a city man Monday as part of an investigation into a Fentanyl distribution service at 280 Acushnet Ave., Apt. 2L.

Police executed a warrant for 280 Acushnet Ave., Apt. 2L. The target of the investigation, 26-year-old Jeremy Costa, was observed leaving the rear parking lot of the address at about 5:13 p.m. He headed north on South Second Street.

Police attempted to stop his vehicle at Sawyer Street and Ashley Boulevard. Upon seeing the police vehicle, he accelerated west on Sawyer Street at a high rate of speed amid heavy traffic.

When he reached Sawyer and Purchase streets, he lost control of the vehicle, struck a fence and exited the vehicle, running west on Purchase Street before being apprehended. Police found 51.3 grams of Fentanyl in his possession. During a search of his residence, police found an additional eight grams of Fentanyl and $4,129 in cash.

Costa was charged with trafficking in Fentanyl, possession of Fentanyl with intent to distribute, possession of Fentanyl with intent to distribute, subsequent offense; operating after revocation of license, reckless operation of a motor vehicle, failure to stop for police, leaving the scene of a property damage accident and resisting arrest.

Costa is no stranger to New Bedford police. In 2008 he was arrested after being involved in a drive-by shooting. He was subsequently convicted and served jail time for possession of a firearm and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. He has also been convicted of dealing cocaine in 2008. He is currently on probation in New Bedford District Court for striking a police cruiser while fleeing from police in 2014.

--New Bedford Police