Massive Amount of Drugs Found During Traffic Stop on I-84

What started as a routine traffic stop on Interstate 84 in the Hudson Valley turned into a major drug bust after deputies discovered more than 50 pounds of marijuana inside an SUV.

According to the Putnam County Sheriff's Office, the traffic stop happened at approximately 2:57 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, along Interstate 84 eastbound in the Town of Southeast after a deputy spotted a black GMC SUV committing multiple traffic violations and pulled it over.

50+ Pounds of Cannabis Recovered During Putnam County Traffic Stop

During the investigation, deputies observed signs that the driver may have been impaired by drugs and searched the vehicle. The search, which was captured on body camera video released by the Putnam County Sheriff's Office, led to the discovery of approximately 51 pounds of cannabis packed inside numerous vacuum-sealed bags.

51 Pounds of Pot Found During Traffic Stop on I-84

Deputies also recovered a quantity of suspected narcotics that field-tested positive for ketamine.

Check out the body camera footage from the traffic stop below.

Driver Identified

The driver was identified as 35-year-old Reynalda G. Sierra Mejia of West Hartford, Connecticut. Following the traffic stop, she was taken to the Putnam County Correctional Facility, where a Drug Recognition Expert conducted an evaluation as part of the investigation.

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Sierra Mejia was charged with:

• Criminal Possession of Cannabis in the First Degree, a Class D felony
• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree, a Class A misdemeanor
• Operating a Motor Vehicle While Ability Impaired by Drugs, a misdemeanor

She was also issued multiple traffic tickets. Following her arraignment in the Town of Southeast Justice Court, she was released on her own recognizance while the case proceeds through the court system.

If there has been a change to this information, such as charges being dropped or dismissed, please email me at CJ@Hudsonvalleycountry.com to make the necessary change.