By Jim Clark

The Somerville Police Department Drug Control Unit, as part of a narcotic investigation, engaged in a series of phone conversations with a Malden man last Thursday, setting in motion steps which would later lead to his arrest on various drug violations, police said.

During the initial telephone conversation the suspect, Richard Maher, 44, of Malden, allegedly indicated that he had a quantity of pills for sale.

According to police, the man originally agreed to meet on Taylor Street, at which time the drug transaction would be conducted, but he later changed the location to one near the Healey Elementary School.

Officers confronted the man at the agreed to location and allegedly found 105 green colored pills believed to be a Class “C” substance, Clonazepam, also known as Klonopin.

Maher was taken into custody and charged with drug possession to distribute, drug violation near a school or park, and a warrant charge of abuse prevention order violation.