'Dangerous Drugs' Dealer Arrested At Housing Authority Home: DA

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — A man accused of selling and processing illegal drugs from his Poughkeepsie Housing Authority home has been arrested.

Drug Task Force Coordinator Detective Sergeant Adam D. Harris and Dutchess County District Attorney Anthony P. Parisi announced that the DA's Office Drug Task Force has been working on an investigation into narcotic and dangerous drug dealers operating in or near Poughkeepsie Housing Authority facilities throughout the City of Poughkeepsie.

The investigation was started after members of the community reported drug sales to the Drug Task Force.

Drug Task Force agents began buying cocaine from 66-year-old Vincent Smith, who was selling cocaine to vulnerable community members out of the Phillip Allen Swartz Facility, located on Mansion St. in the City of Poughkeepsie, according to police.

An investigation led to Drug Task Force Agents obtaining a search warrant for Smith’s residence also located at the facility.

Last Thursday afternoon, Drug Task Force agents executed the search warrant and arrested Smith, leading to the seizure of crack cocaine which Smith had manufactured or "cooked" inside his apartment for the purpose of selling.

Smith was charged with felony third degree criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, and felony fourth degree criminal possession of a controlled substance possessing 1/8 ounce or more of narcotics.

The Drug Task Force thanked the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office Law Enforcement Division and the City of Poughkeepsie Police Community Policing Unit for their assistance. The Drug Task Force says it will continue to investigate the sale of narcotics and dangerous drugs in Dutchess County.

If anyone has information regarding this case or about any other individuals selling drugs in Dutchess County, they are urged to contact the Drug Task Force confidential tip line at 845-463-6040 or by send an email to this address.