Massachusetts State Police Gang Unit seize cocaine, illegally-owned gun

The Massachusetts State Police Gang Unit yesterday arrested a Taunton man and recovered a loaded, illegally possessed firearm from his car.

Shortly after 4 pm Thursday MSP Gang Unit members stopped a 2010 Mercedes C300 sedan on Randall Street in Taunton. Troopers observed the driver, BRIAN F. GONSALVES, 45, attempting to conceal several baggies suspected of containing cocaine.

Troopers removed the suspect from the car and placed him under arrest. Troopers located and seized 19 baggies containing a substance believed to be powder cocaine and 19 baggies containing a substance believed to be crack cocaine. Total weight of the seized cocaine was approximately 70 grams.

During a subsequent inventory search of the car, Troopers found a Glock 30 .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun, loaded with 10 rounds, in the trunk.

Further investigation revealed that the suspect did not have a valid license to carry. Investigation also determined that the suspect had prior qualifying convictions allowing him to be charged with committing a firearm violation with two prior violent or drug crimes.

In addition to that charge, GONSALVES was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm (third offense); unlawful possession of ammunition; trafficking in cocaine; possession of cocaine with intent to distribute (subsequent offense); commuting a drug offense near a school zone; and motor Vehicle violations.

A quantity of cash was located in the suspect’s possession but did not meet the threshold amount for it to be seized.