Not every column can be written with a somewhat humorous pen. Back in February of 2004 when I adopted this diatribe from my esteemed brother Officer Paul Johnston, I only wanted to show the crazier side of 'the job' as well as some of the great work that occurs in C-11 on a daily basis. Tonight, May 8 at 7 p.m. is our final monthly meeting at C-11 until September and our guest speaker is Sgt. Detective Phil Terestre of the C-11 Drug Control Unit. These men in the DCU do a fantastic job for the citizens of Dorchester and the following is a few examples of their fearless dedication and hard work.

March 25, 11 a.m.

A joint investigation between the C-11 DCU and the Boston Police Special Investigation Unit resulted in a search warrant of a Draper Street apartment. The search yielded the following results six bags of marijuana, marijuana seeds, scales, baggies, and a Taurus .38 caliber revolver laded with five rounds of ammunition. The 26-year-old male resident was arrested for dealing pot within a school zone and possession of a firearm.

April 9, 11:15 a.m.

This is the first of two major cocaine operations on Dakota Street that were put out of business. This particular powder room was operating a mere 41 feet from the playground at the Marshall School on Westville Street. Police confiscated 42 grams of cocaine, two large bags of pot, about $3,900, 70 rounds of ammo, a loaded Federal .357 Magnum revolver and a loaded Taurus .357 Magnum. A 21- and 23-year old were arrested on numerous charges. While the search was ongoing the third resident of the apartment came home, yelling up to the third floor apartment demanding to be let in, unaware of the visitors who awaited him. He was soon fitted with silver bracelets and charged along with his buddies with possession of the firearms, and trafficking in cocaine. All he could say was, "Damn, I was supposed to fly out to Florida in the morning." He didn't make his flight.

April 12, 9 p.m.

This next Dakota Street incident started a couple of hours earlier on Pleasant Street with a single bag of cocaine and ended with over 600 grams of the stuff. The DCU set up surveillance of a 54-year-old man's apartment on Pleasant Street. Soon a 49-year-old Somerville woman strolled up and purchased a bag of 'caine from the target. The detectives moved in and scooped up the two of them and they confiscated three more bags of coke inside the dealer's apartment. Shortly thereafter the dealer's cocaine supplier showed up to deliver the weekend's stash and he was stopped in the hallway. Taken from him were 18 bags of cocaine (in excess of 34 grams) and $1,300. A warrant was granted for the supplier's Dakota Street residence (near Geneva) and the detectives confiscated over 600 grams of cocaine, $34,246 and a 2000 Mercedes Benz SUV for forfeiture. Great work, great timing, a great arrest.

April 17, 7 p.m.

After a painstaking investigation, the detectives hit a Corona Street drug den. The officers found a Colt automatic .25 caliber handgun loaded with seven rounds, a FNH Pistole 7.65 caliber firearm loaded with eight rounds, 10 grams of crack cocaine, 10 bags filled with pot and the usual baggies and scales. A 32-year-old loser and three of his cronies were charged.

April 18, 4 p.m.

The next day the DCU hit a Florida Street condo and arrested a 42-year-old woman and a 29-year-old man. Found at the scene was over 500 grams of crack cocaine, a Helwan 9mm semi-automatic handgun loaded with eight rounds and pictures of the 29-year-old idiot pointing a gun at the camera. Idiot, indeed.

Well, that's a few examples and, as always, there's many more. Hope to see you Thursday. Dress casual.

Happy Mother's Day to all you mothers out there. You know who you are.