Two arrested for drug charges following traffic stop

A traffic stop is already a frustrating experience. No one wants to be pulled over by law enforcement, and no one enjoys it when it happens. While traffic violations happen and they can be minor, other traffic stops are more serious. This means that officers suspect that more than speeding or running a stop sign have taken place. If law enforcement officers suspect that another crime has taken place or will take place, this could give rise to a search and seizure and result in the arrest of a much bigger crime or violation.

According to recent reports, two New York men were arrested for drug charges following a traffic stop. Authorities indicated that the traffic stop occurred on Interstate 390 for state vehicle and traffic law violations. During the stop, police claim that one of the two men attempted to flee the scene by running across four lanes of traffic.

When a roadside investigation began, police officers were suspicious of drug activities due to odors coming from the vehicle. When a pat down of one of the suspects began, one of the men allegedly attempted to flee. During this attempt, officers claim that he threw marijuana on the ground. The man was soon apprehended and officers recovered the thrown marijuana. The search continued, and officers apparently recovered 12 bags of crack cocaine in the vehicle. This amounted to roughly 14 grams.

The driver of the vehicle was charged with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance as well as fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. The passenger in the vehicle was charged with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, which is a class B felony, second-degree obstruction of criminal administration, criminal use of drug paraphernalia, as well as unlawful possession of marijuana and possession of an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle.

Facing felony drug crimes among other criminal charges can be overwhelming and emotional for defendants. No one expects to face such harsh charges following a traffic stop; therefore, it is important to understand your rights during these stops, searches and seizures. This could help you develop a criminal defense that could help you protect you rights, interests and future.

Source: Watertowndailytimes.com, “Traffic stop leads to felony drug charges after 12 bags of crack cocaine discovered,” March 30, 2018