Detectives Arrest Probationer on Drug and Firearm Charges

NEW BEDFORD – On Tuesday, April 29th, detectives concluded an investigation into a fentanyl distribution service being operated out of Woodbridge Estates on Church Street. A search warrant was executed for 1261 CHURCH STREET, APT. B17, with the target of the search being JUSTIN WHEELER, 34.

As a result of the search that followed, detectives located 96 grams of cocaine, 15.9 grams of fentanyl, Suboxone strips,  six 3D printed polymer pistol frames, one complete .40 caliber Smith & Wesson slide, two stripped pistol slides, assorted pistol parts, three 3D printed pistol magazines, 3D printer with accessories, 33 rounds of 9mm ammo, 86 rounds of .556 ammo, a narcotics press, cell phones, digital scales, packaging materials, and $3,470 in US currency that was seized as drug proceeds.

WHEELER was charged with 37 serious offenses including unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, possession of ammunition without an FID card, possession of an untraceable firearm, use of a printer without an LTC, possession of an untraceable firearm in commission of a felony, trafficking in more than 10 grams of fentanyl, trafficking in 36 grams or more of cocaine, and possession of a class B drug.

At the time of this arrest, WHEELER was on probation out of Bristol Superior Court.

Last year, “An Act Modernizing Firearms Laws (H.4885)” was signed into law, which, among other things, prohibits unlicensed individuals from using 3D printers to manufacture firearms and adds new language criminalizing the creation, sale, or transfer of untraceable firearms (Mass.gov 7/25/24).

The arresting officer was Det. Jonathan Miranda.

If you have any information you would like to give the police, you can do so anonymously by calling 508-99-CRIME or visiting our website and submitting a tip.