By Jim Clark

An ongoing feud between members of a Cambridge Gang known as Port 44 and a Somerville Gang known as MP45 or ESV has recently drawn the attention of law enforcement authorities in both cities.

There had been multiple shootings between these two groups and several firearm and narcotic arrests have resulted with members of these gangs.

According to police, information has been received that several of these members are distributing narcotics. These persons are often found on social media giving gestures of gang signs as well as posting videos of narcotics and firearms.

Members of the Somerville Police Department Drug Unit and Gang Unit recently gained information on one such individual involved in the MP45 gang making gang gestures, posting videos with firearms on social media and selling narcotics.

The party in question, Ashaun Clark, has reportedly been seen posting videos of large amounts of marijuana and firearms. A drug investigation of Clark was initiated of his alleged role in the ongoing distribution of marijuana.

The alleged distribution occurs from Clark’s Memorial Rd. residence. This residence is located at 50B #14, Somerville, MA 02145. The investigation was launched upon receiving intelligence and cooperation from a confidential source.

At the conclusion of this drug investigation, a search warrant application was requested by police on December 27, 2018, and was granted by the court authorizing the search of both Clark and his residence.

On Friday, December 28, Somerville Police officers set up surveillance around the area of Clark’s residence. A Somerville Housing Officer also assisted in the surveillance operation.

Observations were made of Clark and another individual, who was known to police, exiting the rear door of the Memorial Rd. location and walking towards Temple St.

Police reported that while the two were walking, it appeared that they made note of an unmarked police cruiser as they stopped and quickly spoke to one another.

The two men split up, with Clark returning to his residence.  Within two minutes Clark reportedly exited once again and began walking towards Temple St. At this time, detectives approached Clark and informed him that they had a search warrant and he was accompanied back into his residence where he was read his Miranda rights.

During the search warrant execution, approximately 327 grams of marijuana, which appeared to be packaged for sales, were seized.

Also seized during the search warrant execution was five hundred and thirty dollars in cash, and a H and K USP .45 Caliber firearm. The firearm was seized from an open backpack on the living room floor. A query of the firearm serial number indicated that it was stolen out of Virginia earlier in the year.

Clark was subsequently placed under arrest and charged with improper storage of a firearm, drug possession to distribute, receiving stolen property over $1200, possession of a firearm without FID card, possession of ammunition without FID card, and carrying a firearm with ammunition.