Wareham Police arrested a 44-year-old New Bedford man on Tuesday, July 17, after multiple complaints of drug dealing in the Shangri La neighborhood from residents. A search of both the suspect's car and home yielded large amounts of crack cocaine and cash, police said.

The dealer, Tayon Woodley, is now facing a slew of charges after police caught him during an alleged drug deal in Wareham and then raided his home in New Bedford.

Members of the Wareham Police Detective Division observed Woodley pull into the beach at Blissful Lane around 11:45 a.m. Tuesday morning where they watched him complete a suspected drug transaction.

Detectives converged on Woodley who fled down stairs to the beach with detectives in pursuit. After a short foot chase, Woodley was captured.

Woodley and the other man in the transaction, Charles Babb, 51, of East Wareham, were both arrested.

In the vehicle belonging to Babb detectives found a white substance believed to be crack cocaine. On Woodley’s person and car detectives located $828 in cash. Both men were transported to Wareham Police Headquarters where they were processed and were due in Wareham District Court on July 18.

Wareham Detectives later secured a search warrant for Woodley’s residence in New Bedford. Wareham Police detectives raided the house at 5 p.m. and confiscated 24.3 grams of a white substance also believed to crack cocaine.

Multiple pills marked Xanax and Oxycodone were also found among several other items consistent with the distribution of illegal narcotics. This included baggies, a scale and nearly $4,500 in cash. Woodley’s vehicle was seized as part of the arrest and subsequent raid.

Acting Police Chief John Walcek praised detectives for their hard work throughout the investigation.

"The Wareham Police Department takes citizen reports of drug dealing very seriously,” Walcek said.

He further added that drug dealers peddle poison, ruining the quality of life for citizens.

"We are going to pursue them relentlessly," Walcek said. "A family going to enjoy the beach should not have watch an illegal drug transaction occurring, and we are not going to ease up one bit on these criminals.”

Wareham detectives were assisted throughout the investigation by detectives from the Middleborough, Mattapoisett and Dartmouth Police Departments as well as State Police from the Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section.

Tayson Woodley has been charged as follows:

• Distribution of a class “B” Drug
• Conspiracy to Violate Drug Laws
• Trafficking in Cocaine
• Possession of a Class “E” Drug With Intent to Distribute
• Possession of a Class “B” Drug With Intent to Distribute 2 Counts, subsequent offense

Charles Babb has been charged as follows:

• Possession of a Class “B” Drug
• Conspiracy to Violate Drug Laws