New York State Police troopers in Putnam initiated a traffic stop of a 2012 Ford Fusion driven by Fitchburg, Mass., resident Anthony Berube, 25, at approximately 11:15 p.m. on Sunday night, when he committed a vehicle or traffic violation on I-84 in Southeast.
During the stop, troopers reported that there was a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle, leading to a further search by police.
According to police, Berube was found to allegedly be in possession of one cartridge of concentrated cannabis, approximately 4.3 grams of edible chocolate containing cannabis oil, approximately one gram of Alprazolam, approximately 0.6 grams of Xanax, and approximately 2.4 grams of marijuana.
Berube’s passenger, 19-year-old Pepperell, Mass., resident Jacob Lemasurier was also found in possession of approximately 69.8 grams of marijuana, nine syringes and one cartridge all containing concentrated cannabis oil, approximately 2.8 grams of cocaine, and approximately 4 grams of Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA).
Both men were arrested at the scene. Berube was charged with four counts of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, all misdemeanors and unlawful possession of marijuana, a violation. Lemasurier was charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, both felonies. He was also charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal possession of marijuana and criminal use of drug paraphernalia, all misdemeanors.
Berube was released on his own recognizance following arraignment in the Town of Southeast Court. Lemasurier was remanded to the Putnam County Jail in lieu of $500 cash bail or $1,000 bond. Both men are due back in court later this year to answer the charges against them.
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