Man Arrested on Drug and Firearm Charges in New Bedford

Steven Ellis faces multiple counts related to illegal possession and distribution of narcotics and firearms.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 3:07am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a defaced handgun serial number, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic through the use of harsh, direct flash lighting against a pitch-black background.A recent arrest highlights the ongoing battle against illegal firearms and drug trafficking in New Bedford.New Bedford Today

A 36-year-old New Bedford man named Steven Ellis has been arrested and charged with multiple drug and firearm offenses following the execution of search warrants at his residence and an associated garage. The search resulted in the seizure of Suboxone, cocaine, psilocybin mushrooms, several firearms, ammunition, and other evidence consistent with narcotics distribution.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about the illegal possession and distribution of drugs and firearms in the New Bedford area, which has struggled with high rates of violent crime and drug-related activity. The arrest of Ellis, who did not have the proper licenses for the firearms found, raises questions about enforcement efforts to curb the flow of illegal weapons and drugs in the community.

The details

During the search of Ellis’s residence, detectives found 96 Suboxone film strips, three firearms registered to his girlfriend, and packaging materials consistent with drug distribution. In the associated garage, they seized a Marlin .22 caliber rifle, a Springfield shotgun, a Remington shotgun, a Polymer80 ghost gun, a .22 caliber pistol with a defaced serial number, a taser, 16.9 grams of cocaine, 55 grams of psilocybin mushrooms, ammunition, and two large-capacity magazines.

  • The search warrants were executed on Thursday, April 7, 2026.
  • Ellis was arrested following the search and seizure operation.

The players

Steven Ellis

A 36-year-old New Bedford resident who was arrested and charged with multiple drug and firearm offenses.

New Bedford Police Department’s Violent Crime Intelligence Unit

The law enforcement unit that conducted the investigation and executed the search warrants leading to Ellis’s arrest.

Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit

The state police unit that assisted the New Bedford police in the investigation and arrest of Ellis.

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What they’re saying

“This case highlights ongoing concerns about the illegal possession and distribution of drugs and firearms in the New Bedford area, which has struggled with high rates of violent crime and drug-related activity.”

— Daniel Duric, Reporter

What’s next

Ellis is expected to be arraigned in New Bedford District Court on the charges. The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges or arrests may follow as authorities continue to crack down on the illegal drug and firearm trade in the city.

The takeaway

This arrest underscores the persistent challenges facing law enforcement in New Bedford as they work to address the intertwined issues of drug trafficking and illegal firearm possession, which contribute to the city’s ongoing struggles with violent crime and public safety concerns.