Cops: 2 arrested, were dealing drugs near West Babylon school

Suffolk County Police arrested two men Wednesday, saying they were conducting a drug deal near a middle school in West Babylon that morning.

Responding to complaints of drug dealing, Officer Michael Donlon, of the First Precinct's Community Oriented Police Enforcement unit, was conducting extra patrols and surveillance near West Babylon Junior High School when, police say, he witnessed a hand-to-hand drug transaction in which Ramel McClinton, 19, sold a controlled substance to Frederick Johnston, 46. Police said the sale occurred on Joan Place around 11:35 a.m.

McClinton, of Platt Avenue in West Babylon, was charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of school grounds; criminal sale of a controlled substance, third degree; and criminal possession of a controlled substance, third degree. Johnston, of Tameling Avenue, Babylon, was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, seventh degree.

Police ask anyone who witnessed this incident to call First Squad detectives at 631-854-8152.