New Bedford man charged with trafficking Fentanyl after police chase and crash

Police took nearly 60 grams of Fentanyl off the streets and arrested a New Bedford 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, Jeremy Costa, 26, of 280 Acushnet Ave., Apt. 2L, New Bedford, 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.

He was arrested at about 6:08 p.m.