Dartmouth Police arrest New Bedford and Randolph residents after shoplifting, drug investigation

Two Massachusetts residents were arrested on various charges after a police investigation.

According to Dartmouth Police, on Saturday, at approximately 10:30 a.m., Dartmouth Police responded to Walmart regarding a reported shoplifting. Officers arrived to find a male in the store and a female who then fled the area in a vehicle. The female, later identified as 32-year-old Ashley Vertentes of New Bedford, was found to have an active warrant and was later located at the Dartmouth Motor Inn.

During the arrest of Vertentes, a detective assigned to the Community Impact Unit observed packaging materials, digital scales, and suspected narcotics in plain view in the room. They then requested a search warrant for the room which was later granted. During the search, detectives located approximately 10 grams of suspected fentanyl, approximately 12 grams of suspected crack cocaine, approximately 4 grams of suspected powder cocaine, numerous other illicit pills, digital scales, cutting agents typically used to package and distribute narcotics, and various other suspected narcotic packaging materials.

In addition to the warrant arrest, Vertentes was charged with shoplifting. She will also receive a summons for charges including possession with intent to distribute Class A, two counts of possession with intent to distribute Class B, two counts of possession with intent to distribute Class E, and conspiracy to violate drug law.

As a result of the findings associated with the search, Dartmouth Police detectives also arrested 54-year-old Lance Alford of Randolph. Alford is being charged with possession with intent to distribute Class A, two counts of possession with intent to distribute Class B, possession with intent to distribute Class A (subsequent offense), two counts of possession with intent to distribute Class B (subsequent offense), two counts of possession with intent to distribute Class E, and conspiracy to violate drug law.