Mercedes Stopped On I-87 Had A Rainbow Assortment Of Contraband: State Police

TUXEDO, NY — A Hudson Valley traffic stop led to the recovery of contraband of all shapes, colors and varieties, according to police.

On March 24, at 2:59 p.m., members of the Troop F Community Stabilization Unit stopped a 2011 Mercedes-Benz traveling north on Interstate 87, in the Town of Tuxedo.

Troopers identified the driver as 36-year-old Samuel L. Martinez, of Amsterdam. Two passengers were also identified, 23-year-old Jahdell D. Young-Smith, of Richmond, and 25-year-old Zimair Tindal, of Brooklyn.

During the stop, NYSP K9 Anson conducted an exterior sniff, alerting troopers to the presence of narcotics inside the vehicle.

A search of the vehicle led to approximately 5 grams of cocaine; about 3 grams of oxycodone hydrochloride pills; around 3 grams of acetaminophen and oxycodone hydrochloride in pill form; an estimated 3 grams of oxycodone hydrochloride in pill form; approximately 6.4 grams of acetaminophen and oxycodone hydrochloride in pill form; and around 1,021 grams of marijuana, according to NYSP. Troopers also recovered a Polymer80 9mm pistol, and one 30-round 9mm magazine containing 31 rounds of ammunition.

Martinez, Young-Smith, and Tindal were taken into custody and taken to State Police Monroe for processing.

All three were charged with felony third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance (intent to sell); felony third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance (narcotic drug); felony fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance (narcotic drug); felony second-degree criminal possession of a weapon (loaded firearm); felony third-degree criminal possession of a weapon (ammunition feeding device); felony criminal possession of a firearm; misdemeanor third-degree criminal possession of cannabis (more than 16 ounces); and the violation of possesion of a controlled substance outside of its original container.

Martinez was also issued several traffic tickets.

All three were arraigned at the Orange County Centralized Arraignment Part. Martinez was remanded to the Orange County Jail without bail. Young-Smith and Tindal were remanded to the Orange County Jail with bail set.