CAMBRIDGE – Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan, Cambridge Acting Police Commissioner Pauline Wells and Somerville Chief of Police Shumeane Benford have announced that four individuals have been charged in connection with their alleged participation in an operation to deal illicit narcotics in the Greater Boston area including in the communities of Cambridge and Somerville.
Following a comprehensive investigation Foster Starks, 40, Treace Macklin, 35, Tymeak Battie, 38 and Nasheed Battie 44, were identified as individuals who were allegedly working together, using a common phone, to conduct street-level illicit drug transactions with a wide range of individuals.
On June 4, 2026, at approximately 6:00 a.m., multiple law enforcement agencies executed two separate search warrants in Cambridge and Braintree. Approximately $23,000 in cash, multiple firearms and over 250 grams of suspected narcotics was seized across both locations.
“This investigation targeted not only the sale of dangerous drugs, but also the network that made those sales possible. Particularly troubling is the presence of illegally possessed, loaded firearms allegedly connected to this operation which increase the risk of violence for both residents and law enforcement. Through collaborative investigations like this one, we are working to disrupt the supply of illegal drugs, hold accountable those who profit from their distribution, and address the root causes of the harm these operations inflict on our communities, said District Attorney Ryan.”
“This investigation reflects the strong collaboration between local and state law enforcement partners committed to protecting our communities. I want to thank the investigators and prosecutors whose diligent work led to these charges. The Cambridge Police Department remains committed to disrupting the distribution of illegal narcotics and holding those who seek to profit from them accountable, while continuing to work with our community partners to promote public safety and wellbeing,” said Acting Commissioner Wells.
During the course of the search warrant at the Braintree location on Skyline Drive, investigators located an approximate total of 211 grams of suspected cocaine, a loaded Ruger P94 semi-automatic handgun with a high-capacity magazine and multiple items consistent with drug distribution including scales and baggies. When police arrived at the apartment, Starks also allegedly tried to flush a baggie containing apparent narcotics down the toilet. As a result, the two residents of the apartment, Foster Starks and Treace Macklin were both arrested.
Treace Macklin was charged with Trafficking in Cocaine over 200 grams, Conspiracy to Violate the Drug Laws, Possession of a Large Capacity Firearm during the commission of a Felony, Possession of Ammunition without an FID Card, Possession of a Firearm without an FID Card and Improper Storage of a Large Capacity Firearm
Foster Starks was charged with Trafficking in Cocaine over 200 grams, Conspiracy to Violate the Drug Laws and Withholding Evidence from a Criminal Proceeding.
During the course of the search warrant at a Cambridge location on Lancaster Street, investigators located an approximate total of 50 grams of suspected cocaine, a loaded Smith & Wesson semi-automatic handgun and multiple items consistent with drug distribution including scales and baggies. As a result, the two residents of the apartment, Nasheed Battie and Tymeak Battie, were arrested.
Nasheed Battie was charged with Trafficking in Cocaine, 36-100 grams, Conspiracy to Violate the Drug Laws, Possession of a Large Capacity Firearm during the commission of a Felony, Possession of a Large Capacity Feeding Device, Possession of Ammunition without an FID Card, Improper Storage of a Firearm and Possession of a Large Capacity Firearm
Tymeak Battie was charged with Trafficking in Cocaine, 36-100 grams and Conspiracy to Violate Drug Law, Felony.
This investigation was conducted by Troopers assigned to the Middlesex County State Police Detective Unit (SPDU), Norfolk County SPDU, the H Troop Community Action, the Cambridge Police Department, the Somerville Police Department, and the Braintree Police Department.
Nasheed Battie and Tymeak Battie were arraigned in Cambridge District Court on June 4, 2026. They were both held pending a dangerousness hearing scheduled for June 10.
Foster Starks and Treace Macklin were arraigned in Quincy District Court on June 4, 2026. They were found dangerous at a hearing held yesterday.