Five arrested on drug charges following NY traffic stop

Criminal charges can stem from a wide variety of events. One common situation that could result in drug crime charges is a traffic stop. During a traffic stop, police are able to see into a vehicle, witness the behaviors of the driver and passengers and question those within the vehicle. This initial investigation could provide officers with reasonable suspicion. By conducting further investigation, officers could reveal that a motorist or passengers were in possession of drugs at the time of the traffic stop.

This is what recently occurred during a traffic stop in New York. According to reports, the traffic stop occurred in Waverly. Details of the traffic stop are not available at this time; however, this traffic stop resulted in the arrest of five individuals. Officers reported that items commonly used for packing illegal drugs were found. The search also revealed a drug kit, a 100 mg morphine sulfate tablet, a hypodermic needle and several glass devices used for smoking.

The driver of the vehicle was arrested because of a bench warrant for a previous charge. This was a charge for possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree. The 21-year old male was also charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, possession of a hypodermis instrument, criminal use of drug paraphernalia in the second degree and aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle in the third degree. All of these charges are misdemeanors.

The four passengers in the vehicle faced similar charges, including criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, criminal use of drug paraphernalia in the second degree and possession of a hypodermic instrument. One passenger faces additional charges, which includes criminal impersonation in the second degree, as reports claim he attempted to use a false name.

Facing multiple drug crimes following a traffic stop can be overwhelming and emotional. However, it does not mean that the accused must face the penalties for these charges. A criminal defense could help reduce or even dismiss some or all of these charges, whether through negotiations or litigation.

Source: The Daily Review, “Five arrested on drug charges,” March 5, 2018