NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WPRI) — A New Bedford man was arrested Wednesday after detectives discovered an “exceptionally uncommon” amount of cocaine, according to Chief Paul Oliveira.

Gilberto Collazo, 31, was taken into custody after officers searched two apartments — one on Farm Street and another on Deane Street — and his vehicle in connection with an ongoing investigation.

Oliveira said officers uncovered more than 35 pounds worth of cocaine, which boasts a street value of nearly $1 million.

This is the largest cocaine seizure in the history of the New Bedford Police Department, he added.

“This is a major seizure by any standard, and it is the result of skillful police work,” New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell. “I am grateful for the diligence of the department’s detectives in preventing this stash from ever reaching the streets, here or elsewhere.”

Collazzo has been charged with trafficking in excess of 200 grams of cocaine. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years behind bars.

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