A 51-year-old man from Alabama was arrested on Saturday, January 4, 2025, as part of a police operation targeting drug activity in Dorchester’s Grove Hall neighborhood.
The Boston Police Department made the arrest after receiving multiple complaints from local residents about drug dealing and the illegal sale of untaxed cigarettes.
Police began monitoring the area on Friday, January 3, and saw the suspect, identified as Manestreem Forty-Four, making several hand-to-hand transactions from his vehicle in a parking lot. People leaving these exchanges were seen carrying boxes of untaxed Newport cigarettes.
The next day, officers continued their surveillance and observed similar activity. Around noon, they approached Mr. Forty-Four to detain him. When they tried to arrest him, he allegedly pushed an officer and attempted to drive away. Police quickly stopped him and made the arrest.
A search of his car allegedly uncovered cash, marijuana, several packs of untaxed cigarettes, and a loaded 9mm handgun. Police also discovered that Mr. Forty-Four’s car was not insured or properly registered.
Mr. Forty-Four is expected to face charges in court for drug dealing, selling untaxed cigarettes, assaulting an officer, resisting arrest, illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition, and operating an uninsured and unregistered vehicle.
