By Jim Clark

The Somerville Police Department Drug Control Unit recently conducted a surveillance and investigative operation on a Bow St. residence suspected of being the location of a heroin distribution ring.

The primary suspect of the investigation was identified as Deborah Winter. On Saturday morning of last week, surveillance was established around Winter’s Bow St. residence and a warrant was acquired allowing for search of both Winter and her residence.

Winter’s boyfriend, who police said also resides at the same location, was reportedly observed driving to various locations, meeting with other individuals, and making hand-to-hand contacts in what appeared to police to be consistent with illicit drug transactions.

On the morning of Saturday, October 1, police observed Winter leaving the residence and driving toward Somerville Ave. Investigating officers followed and stopped her for questioning.

According to reports, when asked if she had anything in her possession that they should know about, Winter told the officers, “Yes, I’ve got some heroin in my jacket and in my bag in a prescription bottle.”

Police informed Winter of the warrant and they returned to her residence for execution of the search.

Police read Winter her Miranda rights and informed her that she and her home had been under surveillance by the Drug Control Unit. According to reports, Winter appeared to be surprised by this and she told the officers, “I was just about to quit. I already told some my customers to look for another supplier ‘cause I was getting out.”

When asked what it was she was quitting, she reportedly said, “You know, selling dope.”

During the police questioning, Winter reportedly admitted to selling Heroin for a few years to a small number of loyal customers. Police also reported that during this period a number of individuals came to the house, and when questioned admitted that they were there to purchase heroin from Winter.

A search of the residence turned up various quantities of heroin, some of which was packaged in way consistent with preparation for sales, police said.

Some Xenax and Gabapentin pills were also found, and a digital scale was also located in the residence, along with a ledger book and $893 in cash.

Winter was placed under arrest and charged with possession of a class E drug, drug violation near a school, and possession to distribute a class A drug.

A criminal complaint was also filed against the boyfriend for his involvement in the alleged distribution of heroin.