Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan, Cambridge Acting Police Commissioner Pauline Wells, and Somerville Chief of Police Shumeane Benford have announced that four people have been charged in connection with an alleged drug trafficking operation in the Greater Boston area, including Cambridge and Somerville.
Following a thorough investigation, Foster Starks, 40, Treace Macklin, 35, Tymeak Battie, 38, and Nasheed Battie, 44, were discovered as persons who allegedly worked together, using a shared phone, to conduct street-level unlawful narcotics transactions with a variety of people.
On June 4, 2026, at around 6:00 a.m., different law enforcement agencies carried out two distinct search warrants in Cambridge and Braintree. Approximately $23,000 in cash, several guns, and more than 250 grams of suspected narcotics were seized at both locations.
“This investigation targeted not only the sale of deadly medications but also the network that facilitated those transactions. The existence of unlawfully possessed, loaded firearms purportedly associated with this operation is particularly concerning, since it increases the danger of violence for both citizens and law enforcement. District Attorney Ryan stated that via joint investigations like this one, we are seeking to interrupt the supply of illegal drugs, hold those who benefit from their distribution accountable, and address the core causes of the devastation these enterprises cause in our communities.
“This investigation demonstrates the close collaboration between local and state law enforcement partners who are dedicated to protecting our communities. I’d want to thank the detectives and prosecutors whose dedicated work resulted in 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 also working with community partners to promote public safety and well-being,” stated acting commissioner Wells.
During the search warrant at the Braintree location on Skyline Drive, investigators discovered approximately 211 grams of suspected cocaine, a loaded Ruger P94 semi-automatic handgun with a high-capacity magazine, and several items consistent with drug distribution, such as scales and baggies. When officers arrived at the apartment, Starks allegedly attempted to flush a baggie containing suspected narcotics down the toilet. As a result, the apartment’s two tenants, Foster Starks and Treace Macklin, were both arrested.
Treace Macklin was charged with trafficking cocaine over 200 grams, conspiracy to violate 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 over 200 grams of cocaine, conspiracy to violate drug laws, and withholding evidence in a criminal proceeding.
During the search warrant at a Cambridge location on Lancaster Street, officers discovered an estimated 50 grams of suspected cocaine, a loaded Smith & Wesson semi-automatic handgun, and several items typical with drug distribution, such as scales and baggies. As a result, the apartment’s two tenants, Nasheed Battie and Tymeak Battie, were detained.
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 accused of cocaine trafficking (36-100 grams) and conspiracy to violate drug laws (felony).
Troopers from the Middlesex County State Police Detective Unit (SPDU), Norfolk County SPDU, H Troop Community Action, Cambridge Police Department, Somerville Police Department, and Braintree Police Department worked on this investigation.
Nasheed and Tymeak Battie were arraigned in Cambridge District Court on June 4, 2026. They were both detained pending a dangerousness hearing planned for June 10.
Foster Starks and Treace Macklin were arraigned in Quincy District Court on June 4, 2026. They were deemed unsafe during a hearing conducted yesterday.
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