By George P.  Hassett

Somerville police found 16 grams of cocaine hidden in the hair spray canister of a 63-year-old Somerville man they say was selling cocaine from his apartment on lower Broadway.

Drug unit cops developed information that Samuel Bernard, 63, of 188 Broadway, was selling cocaine in East Somerville, police said.

On Aug. 13, they stopped James Downey, 46, of Cambridge, after he left Bernard’s apartment. Police said Downey had a white powder residue believed to be cocaine coming from his right nostril and on his upper lip.

When Downey saw police approach him, he allegedly held up closed fists to show he was ready to fight. Police said Downey’s heart was pounding.

Police allegedly found eight bags of cocaine on Downey. He was arrested and charged with conspiracy to violate a drug law and possession to distribute a class B drug.

A short time later, police stopped Bernard as he left his apartment. Police said Bernard allowed investigators to search his apartment, where they found 12 bags containing 16 grams of cocaine inside of a hair spray can’s hidden compartment.

Bernard was arrested and charged with conspiracy to violate a drug law and trafficking in cocaine.