A Lowell man was arrested in Cambridge on Thursday after investigators say he was observed taking part in a suspected drug transaction in Porter Square and was found carrying a loaded firearm along with multiple types of illegal narcotics.
Brett Parnham, 49, of Lowell, was taken into custody following an operation conducted by Cambridge Police and members of the Suburban Middlesex County Drug Task Force as part of an ongoing investigation into narcotics distribution in Cambridge and surrounding communities.
Detectives identified Parnham during the investigation and located him in Porter Square on May 7, 2026. Authorities said he was observed engaging in what was believed to be a drug transaction before officers moved in to stop him.
Following the stop, investigators found Parnham in possession of a large quantity of drugs, including cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and suboxone. Law enforcement officials said much of the narcotics were prepackaged for distribution.
Authorities also reported that Parnham was carrying a loaded .45 caliber handgun. According to officials, possession of the firearm constituted a violation of Massachusetts law because he does not hold a License to Carry.
Parnham is scheduled to be arraigned in Cambridge District Court on multiple charges, including possession with intent to distribute Class A substances (heroin/fentanyl), trafficking and possession with intent to distribute Class B substances (cocaine and methamphetamine), carrying a loaded firearm without a license (third offense), carrying a loaded firearm while having three prior drug convictions, and possession of a Class E substance (suboxone).
The case will be prosecuted by the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office.
