New Bedford Man Arrested on Drug Charges

New Bedford Police arrested a city man on cocaine trafficking charges Friday night, following an investigation into street-level narcotics activity in the city's West End.

David Duarte, 53, was charged with trafficking in cocaine; possesion of cocaine with intent to distribute, subsequent offense; and trafficking in cocaine within a school zone, as it was near the Carlos Pacheco School.

Duarte was arrested after a motor vehicle stop on Coggeshall Street and Mt. Pleasant Street just after 7 p.m. Friday night. Police found 37 bags of cocaine, weighing 23.5 grams, in his vehicle. A small amount of cash was also seized.

Duarte was previously convicted for cocaine distribution in February of 2001.