By Jim Clark 

The Somerville Police Department Drug Control Unit took action against a suspected heroin dealer last week.

Information had been gathered suggesting that Eric Stout, 35, of Everett, had been using the apartment of a Somerville resident to store and distribute heroin, according to reports.

Search warrants were obtained and surveillance units stationed near the Jaques Street apartment in order to observe the actions of Stout.

Police report that Stout had left the residence and walked along Derby Street at a given time and eventually met with someone who police investigators judged to be a drug customer.

Stout was confronted by officers at that time and secured at that location while search warrants were being served and a search for drugs proceeded at the Jaques Street residence.

The apartment’s primary resident, Crystal Clifford, 35, was reportedly advised of her rights and shown the search warrant. Investigators subsequently proceeded to conduct their search.

Clifford advised investigators that Stout had been residing in her apartment for approximately six weeks and, according to reports, she admitted that she was aware of the fact that Stout had been selling heroin. She reportedly stated that she did not think that the dealing operation was as extensive as police officers had indicated to her.

As a result of the search of the room that Stout had reportedly been utilizing, a scale and packaging materials were found and seized. Also located inside the same room was a safe that contained approximately 50 grams of a substance believed to be heroin, according to reports.

Clifford was placed under arrest and charged with conspiracy to violate drug law and possession of a class E drug.

Stout was placed under arrest and charged with conspiracy to violate drug law, heroin / morphine / opium trafficking, and drug violation near a school or park.