By Jim Clark

During the course of ongoing investigations into alleged illegal drug trafficking, Somerville Police Narcotics officers were made aware of suspicious activities involving the sale of Oxycodone Hydrochloride tablets by certain individuals in the city.

Surveillance was set up and the individuals in question were reportedly placed under observation to determine whether or not they may be engaged in the illegal distribution of the controlled substance.

The two men named in the investigation, Gary Sylvain, 24, of Somerville, and John Long, 22, of Lexington, were reportedly spotted driving west on Broadway last Thursday. They were followed by investigators as they proceeded to Johnnie’s Foodmaster, located at the intersection of Broadway and Alewife Brook Parkway, where they parked.

Detectives reportedly spotted another vehicle in the vicinity, with two male occupants, that was approached by the suspects.

The investigators report observing money being handed to one of the suspects as they engaged in conversation.

After a short time the suspects left the area in their vehicle and investigators followed and eventually stopped them for questioning.

Sylvain was placed under arrest for outstanding warrants and a subsequent search yielded a quantity of what appeared to be 30 milligram Oxycodone Hydrochloride tablets, a class B Controlled Substance.

Sylvain was further charged with drug violation near a school or park, conspiracy to violate drug law, and possession of a class B drug to distribute. Long was also arrested and charged with drug violation near a school or park, conspiracy to violate drug law, and possession of a class B drug to distribute.