Drug Task Force Nabs 3 Suspected Dealers In Early Morning Raids

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — A multi-agency raid will go a long way towards cleaning up a notorious downtown drug market.

The Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force says it has been working on an investigation into narcotic and dangerous drug dealers operating between the 400 and 500 blocks of Main Street in the City of Poughkeepsie. The investigation was started after residents in the community reported rampant drug activity to the task force. Complaints included narcotic and dangerous drug sales taking place at all hours of the day on Main Street and South Clinton Streets.

Drug Task Force Agents then began purchasing cocaine and fentanyl from three separate drug dealers identified as Ronald L. Davis, Bernard Diggs, and Leonardo De La Cruz, all selling narcotics and dangerous drugs on Main Street, between S. Cherry Street and S. Hamilton Street, known as the 400 and 500 blocks of Main Street.

The investigation resulted in a search warrant being issued for a home at 407 Main Street, a vehicle, and for Davis, Diggs, and De La Cruz.

On Thursday, Drug Task Force Agents and members of the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Services Unit, with the assistance of the City of Poughkeepsie Police and New York State Police, executed the warrant resulting in the arrest of Davis, Diggs, and De La Cruz as well as the seizure of large quantities of crack cocaine and fentanyl.

47- year-old Ronald L. Davis was charged with two counts of felony third degree criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, felony third degree criminal possession of controlled substance (1/2 ounce or more), and felony fourth degree criminal possession of a controlled substance (1/8 ounce or more). He was arraigned in the City of Poughkeepsie Court and remanded to the Dutchess County Jail without bail.

25-year-old Leonardo De La Cruz was charged with felony third degree criminal sale of a controlled substance. He was arraigned in the City of Poughkeepsie Court and ordered to be released.

27-year-old Bernard Diggs 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 (1/8 ounces or more). He was arraigned in the City of Poughkeepsie Court and ordered to be released.

The Drug Task Force says it will continue to identify and arrest the individuals who choose to sell 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 asked to contact the Drug Task Force confidential tip line at 845-463-6040 or send an email to this address.