21 Dogs and Narcotics Seized During Animal Cruelty Investigation
New Bedford, MA — NBPD Animal Control Officers rescued 12 Cane Corsos and 9 French Bulldogs from a residence earlier this week while investigating animal cruelty.
On Monday, July 8th, Animal Control, Patrol Officers, and detectives initiated an investigation that resulted in numerous animal cruelty and drug charges. At 184 Myrtle St., investigators were struck by the pungent odor of urine and feces and heard multiple dogs barking. In the attic, 12 Cane Corso dogs were discovered in cages. The temperature in the attic was indicated to be over 100 degrees. An additional 9 French Bull-mixed dogs were then found in the 3rd-floor apartment. Some bulldogs were loose in the apartment, and some were caged. None of the dogs had adequate access to food or water. Some had overgrown nails, which prevented them from walking normally. Conditions in the cages were described as unsanitary.
Upon the initial arrival of Animal Control officers, the tenant, Mr. DERRICK AMBROSE, 35, fled from the house. As the investigation continued, narcotics were also discovered in the apartment. AMBROSE was found to possess over 9 grams of fentanyl, over 25 grams of crack cocaine, Adderall, Oxycodone, mushrooms, and marijuana. AMBROSE also had vacuum sealers, packaging materials, and digital scales, all used in the processing and packaging of illegal narcotics for street-level sales.
Altogether, 21 dogs were rescued from the residence. A warrant has been requested for DERRICK AMBROSE for 39 counts of animal cruelty and numerous narcotics-related charges, including trafficking over 18 grams of cocaine and possession with intent to distribute classes A, B, C, D, and E.
AMBROSE has an extensive criminal history with 67 adult arraignments and convictions for a variety of offenses, possession and discharge of a firearm, and possession of a dangerous weapon. He has two previous convictions for dealing cocaine, one for dealing fentanyl, and one for dealing marijuana. At the time of this arrest, he had three open cases in Falmouth District Court and nine open cases in New Bedford District Court.
If you have information on DERRICK AMBROSE’s whereabouts or any other information you would like to share with the police, you can do so anonymously by visiting our website and submitting a tip or by calling 508-99-CRIME.