Upstate Man Accused Of Having Illegal Drugs On Thruway

NEWBURGH, NY — An upstate man was accused of not only possessing illegal drugs but driving while under the influence while on the Thruway.

The New York State Police said a car was stopped on Interstate 87 in the town of Newburgh for a traffic violation around 8:30 p.m. Monday.

While talking with the driver, the trooper found probable cause to search the vehicle.

Stephone Q. Salley, 25, of Schenectady, who was driving, was found to be impaired by drugs and had about 51 grams of heroin, more than 51 grams of cocaine, 11 grams of fentanyl and three boxes of Mannite "Cicogna," which is used as a cutting agent to increase the weight of a drug, police said.

He was arrested and taken to the Newburgh barracks where he was evaluated by a drug recognition expert.

Salley was then taken to St. Luke's Hospital where he submitted to a blood test to determine the drug content in his system, police said.

He was charged with two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, three counts of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell and fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, all felonies.

Salley was also charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, a misdemeanor.

He was released with appearance tickets returnable to the Town of Newburgh Court June 10.

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