New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
“On May 16th at around 6:00 in the evening, narcotics detectives assigned to the department’s “Organized Crime Intelligence Bureau” executed a search warrant at 33 Crapo St., 2nd floor, bringing their investigation into a cocaine delivery service being operated out of there to a conclusion. The targets of the investigation were ALEX MARABUTO, 37, and DEMAURICE ANDREWS, 24.
After stopping MARABUTO outside the residence, the detectives made entry into the building, locating ANDREWS and 4 other individuals. They were identified as SHANNON SMITH, 24, DEREK BROWN, 56, SOPHIA JANEIRO, 35, and JESSICA GARCIA, 43.
The detectives began a search that was made difficult by the deplorable condition of the apartment. Officers were faced with containers, toilets, and bathtubs that were filled with urine and feces. Also, the floors of the 2nd-floor apartment were soaked with urine. Despite an air that was filled with unbearable odor and swarms of flies, the detectives pushed forward and conducted their search.
The search led to the discovery of crack cocaine, 19 Suboxone film strips, a digital scale, and packaging materials. 12 rounds of .410 shotgun shells were also located.
All six parties were placed under arrest on a variety of charges including possession to distribute class “B” substance and conspiracy. Additionally, MARABUTO, ANDREWS, GARCIA, and SMITH were all found to have active warrants for their arrest.
SHANNON SMITH and DEREK BROWN both have previous convictions for possession with intent to distribute class “B” substance.
The conditions within the apartment have been reported to the NB Neighborhood Task Force for further scrutiny.
“This case highlights the variety of dangerous situations that officers encounter on a daily basis. In addition to the potential of being met with violent resistance, they are often required to enter extremely challenging environments in fulfillment of their duty. Hopefully, these arrests will go a long way to restoring peace for the neighbors of this residence.” -Chief Paul Oliveira
The investigating officer was Detective Nathaniel Almeida.” -City of New Bedford Police Department.
