By Jim Clark

Members of the Somerville Police Department Drug Control Unit were alerted last week to possible cocaine trafficking activities by a suspect that has been the subject of investigation prior to the informant contact.

The informant reportedly told police that they had been privy to a conversation wherein the suspect, Jean Exil, 31, of Boston, was anticipating making a delivery of a quantity of cocaine.

According to the informant, Exil was to meet at a Franklin St. home in Somerville in order to distribute the cocaine.

Surveillance of the Franklin St. residence was set up and at the appointed time a person matching the description of Exil that the informant provided arrived in a car. Police reportedly took notice of the smell of marijuana coming from Exil’s car.

Police immediately stopped Exil for questioning. According to reports, Exil stated that he had come to visit a friend at the Franklin St. residence.

Police noted that Exil appeared nervous and appeared to be attempted to keep his hands close to his body.

Concerned that he might have concealed weapons on his person, police asked Exil if he had any weapons or other contraband on him, to which he replied that he did not.

When asked if he would allow officer to search him Exil reportedly complied. Police said that a bag containing a white powdery substance believed to be cocaine was found in Exil’s jacket pocket.

As Exil was being placed under arrest he reportedly claimed that the cocaine was for his own personal use only.

Exil was placed under arrest and charged with drug possession to distribute and drug violation near a school.