New Bedford street drug arrests highlight repeat offenders

NEW BEDFORD — A two-day police operation targeting drug activity on County Street resulted in 15 arrests, many involving repeat offenders with extensive criminal histories, authorities said.

Detectives from the Organized Crime Intelligence Bureau conducted surveillance Aug. 28-29 in response to recent complaints about the County Street bar district, according to New Bedford Police Chief Paul Oliveira.

On Aug. 28 around 1:30 p.m., police observed a drug transaction in the doorway of 116 County St. Edmilson Gomes, 28, allegedly sold crack cocaine to Elisha Scott-Matwana, 56, in a deal brokered by Carlos Tavares, 41.

All three were arrested.

Police said Gomes has been arrested three times this year on drug charges and has 58 adult arraignments, with 43 cases dismissed.

Later that afternoon, Darren Andrade, 36, was arrested for allegedly selling crack cocaine to Jessica Brennan, 27, and Sandra Duarte, 49, near Nelson and Crapo streets.

Police said Andrade has 69 adult arraignments with 23 dismissals.

On Aug. 29, less than 24 hours after his first arrest, Tavares was arrested again along with Jason Cook, 32, after police said they found crack cocaine and fentanyl in their vehicle.

Yariluz Segarra-Mendez, 41, was arrested twice on Aug. 29 – first on an outstanding warrant and later for alleged drug possession.

Police said she has been arrested 12 times on warrants and has 53 arraignments with 31 dismissals.

“This is a perfect example of the revolving door that continues to spin,” Oliveira said, noting the strain on police resources from repeat arrests.

Other arrests included Brittany Todman, 33, and Guilherme Jalo, 22, for an alleged crack cocaine transaction.

Police said 55 arrests have been made in the area since January.