On July 21, 2026, at approximately 1:55 p.m., Boston Police officers assigned to the citywide Neighborhood Engagement Safety Team (NEST) arrested Brandon Hamler, 37, of Mattapan, following an investigation into drug law violations in the area of Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard.
As part of an ongoing initiative, NEST officers work in partnership with B.E.S.T. Team clinicians and the Mayor’s Office Coordinated Response Team to address quality-of-life concerns in the Mass and Cass area. This collaborative approach combines enforcement with substance abuse alternatives, housing resources, and mental health support for individuals in the area.
The investigation began in the parking lot of a gas station on Southampton Street. Officers observed Hamler engage in a series of hand-to-hand exchanges with several individuals over roughly 30 minutes, consistent with street-level drug transactions.
Officers subsequently stopped Hamler and two other individuals nearby. During the stop, officers recovered suspected narcotics from the other parties involved. Hamler was placed under arrest, and a search incident to that arrest recovered a large quantity of suspected narcotics concealed on his person, along with an undisclosed amount of cash.
The seized narcotics included 31 individually packaged bags of a substance believed to be fentanyl, with a combined weight of approximately 19 grams, and 10 individually packaged bags of a substance believed to be methamphetamine. Additional pills believed to be Adderall were recovered from another individual at the scene.
Hamler was transported to Nashua Street Jail for booking. He is expected to be arraigned in Roxbury District Court on the following charges:
- Trafficking in fentanyl, 18 grams or more and less than 36 grams
- Distribution of a Class B substance, subsequent offense
- Possession with intent to distribute a Class B substance (methamphetamine)
- Distribution of a Class B substance (methamphetamine)
- Distribution of a Class B substance (Adderall)