K-9 Duke, K-9 Bell Help Make Big Felony Drug Bust: Police

TOWN OF NEW WINDSOR, NY — Police say the world is a little safer today after an operation with the help of state and federal agencies — and two very good dogs.

On Thursday, the Town of New Windsor Police Department, along with the FBI Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force, New York State Police, the City of Newburgh Police Department, and the United States Postal Inspection Service, executed a search warrant at a home on Stonecrest Dr. in the Town of New Windsor.

The search warrant was obtained after a long-term investigation into the illegal possession and distribution of narcotics by a person living at the address.

K-9 Duke, handled by Officer Bell, and K-9 Marty, handled by Officer Levy, positively indicated for the presence of narcotics and firearms at the house, according to police. The alert resulted in the police seizure of 400 grams of powdered cocaine, scales, three AR-15 style assault rifles, several magazines, assorted ammunition, and $3,900 in cash, officials said.

"Thank you once again to the New Windsor Police Department, the K-9 Unit and their law enforcement partners for keeping New Windsor safe," Town Supervisor Stephen Bedetti added. "Their hard work successfully disrupted this narcotics operation. Our residents should rest a bit easier knowing how vigilant our officers are in keeping our town a safe place to live and work."

Town of New Windsor police say that 30-year-old Lazurus Rodriguez, of New Windsor, was arrested and charged with felony first-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. He was held pending arraignment.

"This operation demonstrates the continued dedication and collaboration of our local, state, and federal partners in combating the illegal drug trade and ensuring the safety of our community," New Windsor Police Department Chief Daniel Valeri said. "Thanks to the hard work of our officers, including the invaluable assistance of our K-9 Unit, we have successfully disrupted a significant narcotics operation. The arrest of Mr. Rodriguez and the seizure of firearms and drugs are a testament to our commitment to keeping New Windsor safe. We will continue to work tirelessly to protect our residents and hold those who break the law accountable."