Men Arrested With Drugs, Loaded Gun, Counterfeit Cash in Boston Public Garden: Police

Boston Police arrested two men Thursday night near Boston Public Garden, after responding to a call about a disturbance near the Swan Boats.

According to the Boston Police Department, the call came in about 7:42 p.m. Thursday; upon responding, they found two men smoking marijuana on a bench near the Public Garden tourist attraction and popular gathering spot for children and families.

Police later identified the men as Mohamed Soltani, 25, of Quincy and Adnan Tahlil, 22, of Roxbury.

Soltani and Tahlil were sitting with a black backpack between them on the ground and, upon seeing police, reportedly grabbed the backpack, "quickly stood up and walked away from them at a rapid pace."

Per the BPD press release: "The officers followed the two suspects and stopped them at which time Soltani began to repeatedly yell at passing pedestrians 'Someone film this!' causing an alarmed crowd to gather. As the officers were speaking to the suspects, they observed that Soltani was keeping his body turned away from the officer while pinning his right arm to the right side of his body, leading the officers to believe he may be armed. The officers attempted to perform a pat frisk but the suspect repeatedly pulled away at which time he was placed in handcuffs for officer safety."

Officers report they they recovered a loaded handgun from Soltani, who allegedly responded "What's that?" when asked whether he had a License to Carry.

A search of the backpack uncover the following, according to police: 626 Xanax pills, nine bags of marijuana, four bags of cocaine packaged for sale along with other drug paraphernalia.

Police said they then arrested Tahlil.

According to the BPD press release, officers subsequently recovered over $2,000 in cash from the men, as well as two counterfeit bills from Tahlil.

Both suspects will appear in Boston Municipal Court, police said, listing the following charges:

• Tahlil: Conspiracy to Violate the Drug Laws, Possession of Class B Drugs, Possession of Class D Drugs, Possession of Class E Drugs and Crimes Against Currency
• Soltani: Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Possession of Ammunition, Carrying a Loaded Firearm, Possession with Intent to Distribute Class B Drugs (Subsequent Offense), Possession with Intent to Distribute Class D Drugs (Subsequent Offense) and Possession with Intent to Distribute Class E Drugs (Subsequent Offense)

Police said the call was one of "numerous recent complaints" from the Public Garden and Boston Common regarding issues of disorderly conduct, trespassing, drug activity and unlawful possession of weapons.

"Their continued efforts are ensuring these beautiful spaces will remain safe for all those looking to enjoy them," the police press release said.

>> Photo via Boston Police Department