NEW PALTZ — Two men were arrested Wednesday night after state troopers discovered approximately 500 grams of cocaine during a traffic stop on the New York State Thruway.
Members of the Troop F Community Stabilization Unit observed a 2022 Nissan traveling northbound in violation of state traffic laws at approximately 8 p.m.
Troopers initiated a traffic stop and interviewed the driver, Andrew D. Rowe, 48, of Saint Albans, and passenger Rayon Chance, 53, of Brooklyn.
During the investigation, troopers searched both men and found Chance in possession of an illegal narcotic.
A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed the cocaine cache.
Both men were arrested and transported to State Police Highland for processing.
Rowe was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the first degree, criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree with intent to sell, and received a uniform traffic ticket.
Chance faces charges of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the first degree, two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree with intent to sell, and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree.
The suspects were transported to Ulster County Jail where they will remain until their arraignment at New Paltz Town Court Centralized Arraignment Part on March 27 at 1 p.m.
