BOSTON, Massachusetts. — Officers with the East Boston Drug Control Unit arrested two people on drug-related charges Tuesday evening after observing suspected drug dealing on the street. The arrests occurred around 6:15 p.m. on August 27, 2024 near 178 Border Street in East Boston.

The incident began when officers responding to ongoing complaints from the public about illegal drug activity observed a male suspect acting suspiciously. The man was observed making several short phone calls while canvassing the area. Shortly thereafter, an unknown vehicle approached and the suspect got into the back seat.

Believing a drug deal had taken place, officers followed the vehicle and later stopped the male suspect after he got out. During the search, officers discovered crack cocaine in his left trouser pocket. The man was informed that he would be summoned to court for possession of Class B drugs.

Officers then pursued the vehicle to 375 Border Street, where they conducted a traffic stop. The occupants, identified as Danielle Brabent, 40, of Saugus, and Edwin Vasquez, 36, of Chelsea, were immediately arrested.

A search of Vasquez’s home turned up 18 plastic bags of crack cocaine and $734 in cash. Brabent was found to have three plastic bags of crack cocaine, 41 different prescription pills, and numerous plastic bags used to package medications. Both suspects were charged with drug possession and intent to distribute narcotics.

The arrests underscore the ongoing efforts of the Boston Police Department’s Drug Enforcement Unit to combat illegal drug trafficking in the community. The investigation is ongoing.