By Jim Clark 

Members of the Somerville Police Department Drug Control Unit took action last week against a suspected crack cocaine distribution ring. Investigators reportedly learned of the operation from information offered by a confidential source. The source reportedly named Denwich Bastien, 26, as the primary operator of the drug ring.

Surveillance teams were subsequently put into place at appropriate locations and on Friday afternoon, April 27, investigators reportedly observed Bastien, along with an alleged accomplice, making contact with several individuals while driving in and around the cities of Somerville and Cambridge.

The investigators reportedly believed that the activities observed were consistent with drug transactions in progress.

Bastien and his alleged accomplice, Antonio Cardoso, 33, were reportedly observed driving to various locations, stopping briefly while Cardoso exited the vehicle and made contact with individuals on the street, allegedly to make crack cocaine sales.

After several such apparent transactions were observed, police confronted Cardoso while he was on the street, having just exited Bastien’s car. Cardoso reportedly denied taking part in any suspicious activities, but finally when asked by officers if he had anything in his possession that would be of concern to them he admitted to having on his person two plastic bags with cocaine in them, police said.

Cardoso was then searched and the bags of what appeared to be crack cocaine were reportedly retrieved. Cardoso was then placed under arrest and charged with drug possession to distribute and conspiracy to violate drug law.

Meanwhile, Bastien had reportedly met with another individual, Rafael Perez-Bautista, 18, at a different location and as investigators attempted to stop him for questioning he reportedly tried to flee in his vehicle, but accidentally crashed into one of the investigators’ undercover car, according to reports.

Both Bastien and Bautista were placed under arrest and their persons and the vehicle were searched for evidence. Investigators believed that a transaction involving a quantity of marijuana and a small amount of money had been agreed on between the two men to be exchanged for some crack cocaine.

Bastien has been charged with drug violation near a school or park, possession of an open alcohol container in a motor vehicle, conspiracy to violate drug law, resisting arrest, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and drug possession to distribute.

Bautista has been charged with drug possession to distribute, possession of a class B drug, and conspiracy to violate drug law.