WEST HARTFORD/SOUTHEAST, N.Y. — A West Hartford woman is facing multiple drug and impaired driving charges after authorities said deputies found approximately 51 pounds of cannabis and suspected ketamine during a traffic stop on Interstate 84 in New York.
According to the Putnam County Sheriff's Office, Deputy Victoria Crimmins stopped a black GMC SUV traveling eastbound on Interstate 84 in the Town of Southeast at about 2:57 a.m. on July 25 after observing multiple traffic violations.
During the investigation, Crimmins observed signs that the driver, identified as 35-year-old Reynalda G. Sierra Mejia of West Hartford, may have been impaired by drugs, according to the sheriff's office. Sgt. Shane Rossiter responded to assist with the investigation.
Deputies searched the vehicle and recovered approximately 51 pounds of cannabis packaged in numerous vacuum-sealed bags, authorities said.
They also found a quantity of suspected narcotics that field-tested positive for ketamine.
Sierra Mejia was taken to the Putnam County Correctional Facility, where a drug recognition expert evaluated as part of the investigation.
She was charged with first-degree criminal possession of cannabis, a Class D felony; seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a Class A misdemeanor; and operating a motor vehicle while ability impaired by drugs, a misdemeanor.
Authorities said she also received multiple traffic citations.
Sierra Mejia was arraigned in the Town of Southeast Justice Court and released on her own recognizance.
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