New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
Around 5:30 p.m. on Friday, April 9, Trooper Derrek Deranian, assigned to the Andover Barracks, was on patrol on Marston Street in Lawrence. Trooper Deranian noticed a white Chevy Impala traveling at a high rate of speed over the posted limit. He then watched the vehicle drift out of its lane for a considerable amount of time before correcting its course. After witnessing these violations Trooper Deranian conducted a motor vehicle stop.
Trooper Deranian made contact with the operator and passenger of the vehicle. After gathering the occupants’ information and conducting an electronic information check, the driver, DONALD DENNIS, 37, of Waterville, Maine was found to have an active warrant for his arrest. Trooper Deranian removed DENNIS from the vehicle and placed him in handcuffs. While doing so, Trooper Deranian noticed, in plain view, a plastic bag half under the seat. In the bag Trooper Deranian discovered approximately 500 grams of a substance believed to be Fentanyl.
Around this time, Trooper Ryan Durkin arrived to assist Trooper Deranian. The passenger of the vehicle SHELBY LONDON, 30, of Gardiner, Maine was detained and advised of her rights. It was discovered through conversation with the occupants, that the pair were in Lawrence to purchase narcotics and then return to Maine. LONDON was placed under arrest, and a further search of the vehicle revealed several thousand dollars in cash in the rear seat of the vehicle.
Trooper Deranian secured the suspected narcotics and currency and DENNIS and LONDON were transported back to the Andover Barracks for booking.
DENNIS was scheduled to appear in Lawrence District Court on the following charges:
1. Trafficking in Fentanyl;
2. Conspiracy to Violate Drug Law;
3. Speeding; and
4. Marked Lanes Violation.
LONDON was also scheduled to appear on the following charges:
1. Trafficking in Fentanyl; and
2. Conspiracy to Violate Drug Law.
Massachusetts State Police photo.
