Traffic Stop Leads to Significant Cocaine Seizure in Saugerties

On July 21, 2025, at approximately 4:40 p.m., members of the Troop F Community Stabilization Unit (CSU) observed a 2025 BMW traveling northbound on Interstate 87 in the town of Saugerties in violation of multiple New York State Vehicle and Traffic Laws.

Troopers initiated a traffic stop and interviewed the driver, identified as Jason Thomas, age 35, of Schenectady, NY. During the course of the investigation, K-9 Kell conducted both an exterior and interior sniff of the vehicle and gave a positive alert for narcotics.

A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed approximately 765 grams of cocaine and a large quantity of U.S. currency. Thomas was placed under arrest and transported to State Police Kingston for processing without incident.

Thomas was charged with the following:

• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 1st Degree, Class A-I Felony
• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd Degree with Intent to Sell, Class B Felony
• Multiple New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law violations

Thomas was arraigned at the Ulster County Central Arraignment Part and remanded to the Ulster County Jail. He is scheduled to return to court on August 25, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.