Suspected fentanyl found 2 feet away from suspect’s sleeping children

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WPRI) — Police have arrested a New Bedford man after detectives found a bag of suspected fentanyl just feet away from a mattress where the suspect’s two young children were sleeping.

According to the Massachusetts Police Department, the arrest comes after an investigation into fentanyl distribution in the area.

Police said when officers went to execute a search warrant on 30-year-old Oscar Ramos-Torres McGuirk Street apartment, no one answered the door.

Once the officers heard people scurrying around inside the apartment and forced entry, police said they found Ramos-Torres standing in a bedroom with his girlfriend and their two young children. Police said the children were sleeping on a mattress on the floor of the bedroom.

Police said the officers found a bag containing approximately 8.7 grams of suspected fentanyl within two feet of the mattress.

In another bedroom, officers found a workbench where they believe Ramos-Torres made the fentanyl. Police said on the workbench was a plastic container holding approximately 77 grams of a white powder that tested positive for fentanyl. They also found a digital scale and a box of plastic lunch bags.

Inside a safe underneath the bench, police found $6,245 in cash and 26 Suboxone strips. Officers also found 10 rounds of ammunition in a plastic bag in the basement.

Police arrested Ramos-Torres on charges of trafficking in fentanyl over 80 grams, possession of a Class B substance with intent to distribute and unlawful possession of ammunition.

According to police, Ramos-Torres is currently on probation out of New Bedford District Court for previously possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute.

The Massachusetts Department of Children and Families was called to the apartment to check on the children’s welfare.