BOSTON, MA—A routine traffic stop led to the arrest of a Dorchester man on drug trafficking charges in Boston’s Mattapan district. The incident occurred at approximately 7:32 PM on Wednesday, July 17, 2024.
Boston Police officers assigned to District B-3 were conducting a drug investigation near Washington Street and Fenelon Street when they noticed a suspect, later identified as 49-year-old Melvin Ward, operating an unregistered moped. Officers initiated a traffic stop and discovered that Ward did not possess a valid driver’s license, which was found to be suspended upon further checks.
A pat frisk revealed twelve small plastic bags containing marijuana and $961 in U.S. currency on Ward. Further search led to the discovery of a large bag containing what appeared to be crack cocaine, weighing approximately 27.6 grams. Additionally, the moped Ward was operating was confirmed to be stolen.
Ward was subsequently arrested and faces charges of Trafficking Class B Crack Cocaine, Receiving Stolen Property, and Operating with a Suspended License. He is set to be arraigned at Dorchester District Court. The arrest marks a significant capture related to ongoing efforts to curb drug trafficking in the area.
