New York State Police say a routine traffic stop on Interstate 81 in Oswego County turned into a significant drug and weapons investigation, resulting in the seizure of more than four pounds of cocaine and a loaded handgun.
According to State Police, troopers with the Troop D Community Stabilization Unit and the Pulaski Interstate Patrol stopped a vehicle around 2:08 p.m. on Dec. 10 in the town of Richland for multiple violations of state vehicle and traffic law. The driver was identified as Quonta Q. Albert, 32, of Syracuse.
During the stop, troopers developed probable cause to search the vehicle. Investigators say a loaded .45-caliber handgun was found inside, at which point Albert allegedly attempted to resist arrest and flee the scene. Troopers were able to gain control of him and take him into custody without further incident.
A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered a large quantity of suspected narcotics, including multiple bags of cocaine, crack cocaine, and a pressed kilogram package of cocaine, along with a digital scale and packaging materials. In total, police say more than four pounds of cocaine were seized during the investigation.
Albert was transported to the Oswego County Jail, where he was held pending arraignment.
State Police say the case remains part of their ongoing efforts to disrupt drug trafficking along major transportation corridors in Central and Northern New York.
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