RAMAPO, N.Y. – A routine traffic stop on Interstate 87 led to the discovery of fentanyl and crack cocaine, resulting in the arrest of two men, state police said.
On Feb. 28 at 8:26 p.m., troopers from SP Tarrytown stopped a 2019 Honda Pilot for a traffic violation in Ramapo. The driver, Robert Morales, 57, of Rensselaer, and passenger Irving Prado, 51, of the Bronx, were inside the vehicle.
K-9 Odin detected narcotics, prompting a search. Officers found 48.5 grams of fentanyl and 56 grams of crack cocaine. Morales and Prado were charged with two counts each of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, including intent to sell. Both charges are class B felonies.
Both suspects face multiple felony and misdemeanor drug-related charges:
- PL 220.16(1) (Class B Felony): Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance (3rd Degree) – Intent to Sell Narcotics
- PL 220.16(12) (Class B Felony): Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance (3rd Degree) – Narcotics Possession
- PL 220.50(2) (Class A Misdemeanor): Criminal Use of Drug Paraphernalia (2nd Degree) – Packaging Materials for Drug Distribution
A judge arraigned the suspects in Clarkstown Town Court. They remain in Rockland County Jail and are scheduled to appear in Ramapo Town Court on March 4.
Morales was held without bail, indicating the severity of the charges and potential flight risk.
Prado was placed under central arraignment and is awaiting judicial review before further processing.
Authorities continue cracking down on drug trafficking in Rockland County, reinforcing efforts to keep dangerous substances off the streets.
Mathew Alvarez joined Rockland Daily News as a reporter in March 2020, but he’s no stranger to Rockland County. He grew up in New City and graduated from Ball State’s College of Communication, Information, and Media.