At about 12:45 PM, on Friday, March 14, 2025, officers assigned to the Drug Control Unit of District A-1 (Downtown) arrested Quantell Manuel, 25, of Boston, on various drug and firearm offenses.
Officers were conducting a drug investigation in the area of Tremont Street and Winter Street when they observed an individual who they were aware of from a prior incident. Officers began to maintain surveillance on the individual, and observed two males approach him. Officers could now see one of the males manipulating an unknown item in his hand.
The group began to walk towards 131 Tremont Street and officers saw two individuals make a hand-to-hand exchange. Officers now believed that a street level drug transaction had transpired. The known individual separated from the group and walked towards Park Street.
Officers were able to stop the suspect and advised him they were conducting a drug investigation. The suspect handed officers two plastic bags of crack cocaine, and he was told he would be summons to court for Possession of Class B.
Additional Drug Control officers were able to stop the other two individuals inside the Boston Common near the Brewer Fountain. Officers immediately placed the suspect into handcuffs for Distribution of Class B. Officers conducted a search of the suspect and recovered eight plastic bags of crack cocaine.
Officers observed the suspect to be wearing a fanny pack draped over his left side. Officers searched the bag and recovered a firearm from inside. The firearm was later determined to be a Smith & Wesson M&P Shield with one round in the chamber and eight rounds in the magazine.
Manuel was placed under arrest and is expected to be arraigned in Boston Municipal Court for the following charges:
- Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
- Unlawful Possession of Ammunition
- Possession with Intent to Distribute Class B
- Distribution of Class B
- Unlawfully Carried a Dangerous Weapon