Over the past several months the Bristol Police Department has been involved in an ongoing narcotics investigation focusing on the sale and distribution of cocaine and fentanyl in and around Bristol. As part of this investigation police identified Christopher Desouza and Nelson Amaral, both of of Bristol, to be engaged in the delivery and distribution of illegal narcotics in and around Bristol.

The Bristol Police Department partnered with the Massachusetts State Police C.I.N.R.E.T. South Unit, and HSI in this multi-state, multi-jurisdiction operation to interrupt the flow of illegal narcotics into Bristol. Throughout the course of the investigation evidence was collected through numerous methods that revealed Desouza and Amaral would transport cocaine and fentanyl to Bristol and sell illegal narcotics to numerous customers in town. This investigation connected to a previous investigation involving Desouza and Amaral from this past spring where Desouza was arrested for selling illegal narcotics in both the Franklin and Wood Street, and Franklin and Hope Street areas.

Throughout the course of this investigation Police received numerous tips and citizen complaints linking the illegal activities of Desouza and Amaral to 118 Church Street in Bristol. The present investigation confirmed that Desouza and Amaral were utilizing the property at 118 Church st and specifically apartment 2, occupied and controlled by Michael Brum, to facilitate the sale and distribution of illegal narcotics in Bristol. On August 14, 2026, a 32 year old male suffered a suspected fatal narcotic overdose while in Brum’s apartment at 118 Church St with Desouza, Archambault, and Brum present. That case is still under investigation. Since December of 2025 the Bristol Police have responded to 118 Church St over 35 times for various calls for service to include several narcotics related complaints.

On October 23 police conducted a controlled motor vehicle stop as part of this investigation on Ferry Road at Ambrose. Police were in possession of signed search warrants for the vehicle occupants. Police were also aware the vehicle contained Zachary Archembault who had an active court warrant for his arrest. On that day, Christopher Desouza and Nelson Amaral were taken into custody by Bristol Police as part of this narcotics investigation. Desouza was charged with Possession with intent to Deliver a Schedule I narcotic subsequent offense, Felony drug conspiracy, and Possession of a controlled substance 10 grams or less. Amaral was charged with Possession with intent to Deliver a Schedule I narcotic, Felony drug conspiracy, and Possession of a controlled substance 10 grams or less.

On November 4, Michael Brum was taken into custody based on a signed arrest warrant and charged with maintaining a common narcotics nuisance at 118 Church Street, for his role in facilitating the sale and distribution of Cocaine and Fentanyl from that address.

Chief Lynch credited the Bristol officers and investigators involved with this case for their “tenacious efforts to keep Bristol safe for its residents”. This investigation remains ongoing and the Bristol Police Department thanks the community members who provided police information and the law enforcement agencies — local, state, and federal — who assisted in this investigation, most notably the Massachusetts State Police C.I.N.R.E.T. South Unit.