FALL RIVER — A 13-month narcotics investigation by Massachusetts State Police resulted in the seizure of nearly 9 pounds of fentanyl and cocaine and led to 19 arrests in the Taunton and Fall River areas.
The investigation began in March 2024 when investigators from the South Team of the Massachusetts State Police Commonwealth Interstate Narcotics Reduction Enforcement Team identified Ramon Nieves and his wife, Esther Nieves, as suspected drug suppliers.
Investigators obtained multiple warrants and conducted a controlled purchase of fentanyl and a motor vehicle stop that resulted in the seizure of trafficking amounts of fentanyl and cocaine.
On Aug. 1, investigators executed search warrants for three Fall River apartments and one Chevrolet Silverado believed to be used by the Nieves for drug trafficking.
The searches revealed more than 3,915 grams of fentanyl, $8,000 in cash, and other evidence of drug trafficking.
Ramon Nieves was arrested and transported to State Police Dartmouth where he was booked for trafficking fentanyl.
On April 15, during the early morning hours, a coordinated operation involving hundreds of law enforcement personnel executed search warrants for 20 locations, 14 cellular telephones, and 10 vehicles.
The warrants led to 18 additional arrests and the seizure of over 2,360 grams of cocaine, 1,365 grams of fentanyl, 33 firearms, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, high-capacity magazines, and $109,355 in cash.
The operation was conducted with assistance from the Fall River Police Department Community Action and Suppression Team, Bristol County State Police Detective Unit, Troop D Detectives and Brockton Police Department.
