By: Laura Soukkavong –
Boston – Officers assigned to the citywide Neighborhood Engagement Safety Team (NEST) made an arrest Thursday morning following a suspected street-level drug transaction in the New Market Square area.
According to police, at approximately 10:20 a.m. on April 2, 2026, officers were conducting a proactive initiative aimed at addressing ongoing quality of life concerns in the area.
During their patrol, officers observed a male individual remove an item from his rear pocket and hand it to two other individuals, behavior consistent with a suspected drug transaction.
Officers continued their observations and noticed what appeared to be a large plastic bag concealed in the rear of the suspect’s pants. Based on their training and experience, officers believed a street-level drug deal had just occurred.
Police moved in and were able to stop one of the individuals involved. The suspect was taken into custody but became uncooperative on scene and initially refused to be searched.
A subsequent search conducted at District B-2 revealed a large plastic bag hidden on the suspect. Inside, officers found two smaller plastic bags containing a total of 23 individually wrapped bags of suspected crack cocaine—one bag containing eight and the other fifteen. Officers also recovered $45 in U.S. currency.
The suspect, Darmayne White, 51, of South Boston, was placed under arrest.
He is expected to be arraigned in Boston Municipal Court on charges of possession with intent to distribute a Class B substance.
Police say the arrest is part of an ongoing effort by NEST officers to address community concerns and improve safety and quality of life in areas impacted by drug activity.
Authorities continue to encourage residents to report suspicious behavior as these enforcement initiatives remain active across the city.