By Jim Clark

Somerville Police Department narcotics detectives, following up on information acquired in the course of their ongoing investigations, turned their attention last week to alleged dealing in oxycodone tablets by Malcom Powell, 23, of Malden.

Prior to this particular police investigation, Powell reportedly had a prior arrest history on charges of trafficking cocaine, possession to distribute cocaine and possession to distribute marijuana.

Undercover investigators set up a buy with Powell, arranging by cell phone to acquire 10 oxycodone tablets while meeting at a prearranged location, according to reports.

The transaction was set to take place in the Home Depot parking lot and surveillance units were put in place there prior to the arranged meeting.

At the appointed time, Powell reportedly arrived in his car and undercover officers immediately directed him to stop, which he failed to do, and his vehicle bumped into an undercover car that was being used to block his way from escaping the parking lot.

As officers converged on the vehicle, Powell was reportedly observed attempting to swallow what was believed to be the illegal pills. Officers attempted to prevent Powell from swallowing the substances but were unsuccessful.

A search of Powell and his vehicle turned up over $1500 in currency as well as several cell phones, some of which were ringing during the process of arresting the suspect.

Powell was placed under arrest and charged with resisting arrest and drug possession to distribute.

Because he had apparently swallowed a number of oxycodone tablets, according to the officer’s observations and judgment, it was determined that Powell should be transported to the hospital for observation and treatment if needed. He was subsequently taken there by ambulance.

At the hospital, Powell reportedly admitted that he had swallowed “pills in a plastic bag.”