Loaded Handgun, Drugs Found During Traffic Stop in Poughkeepsie

Another traffic stop in Poughkeepsie has led to a drug arrest, and this time police say a loaded handgun and suspected fentanyl were found inside the vehicle.

Traffic Stop Leads to Drug and Gun Arrest in Poughkeepsie, NY

According to the New York State Police, three people have been arrested after a traffic stop led to the discovery of illegal drugs and a loaded handgun. Police said that it happened during a traffic stop on Wednesday, September 9, in the area of North Hamilton Street in the City of Poughkeepsie.

North Hamilton Street Poughkeepsie, NY

The traffic stop occurred at approximately 5:43 p.m. after troopers observed a vehicle violating New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law.

Police identified the driver as 40-year-old Peter L. Nekos of West Hurley. Two passengers were also inside the vehicle, identified as 26-year-old Zaire J. Birks of Poughkeepsie and 27-year-old Samantha N. O’Donnell of West Hurley.

Police K9 Alerts to the Presence of Drugs

During the investigation, State Police K-9 Vinn was brought in to check the outside of the vehicle, which resulted in an alert to the presence of narcotics. The alert led to a probable cause search of the vehicle, which turned up a loaded Glock 17 9mm handgun along with numerous items containing suspected fentanyl.

SEE ALSO: State Police Hand Out More Than 11,000 Tickets Across New York

All three people were taken into custody following the investigation.

Nekos and O’Donnell were each charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, a misdemeanor. Both were released and are scheduled to appear in City of Poughkeepsie Court on September 24 at 9:00 a.m.

Gun Found in Poughkeepsie, NY

Serious Charges

Birks is facing much more serious charges, including criminal possession of a weapon in the 2nd and 3rd Degree and criminal possession of a firearm, all felonies. Birks was also charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, a misdemeanor.

Birks was arraigned in City of Poughkeepsie Court and sent to the Dutchess County Justice and Transition Center. The investigation remains ongoing.

As with all criminal cases, the charges are accusations, and all defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. If there has been a change to this information, such as charges being dropped or dismissed, please email me at CJ@Hudsonvalleycountry.com to make the necessary change.