Hudson Valley Traffic Stop Leads To Large Cocaine Seizure, Arrest
A routine traffic stop in Newburgh on November 20 resulted in the arrest of a Poughkeepsie man after troopers discovered nearly 60 grams of cocaine in his vehicle. The case highlights ongoing law enforcement efforts in the Hudson Valley, and it underscores public safety concerns for residents who live along regional travel corridors.
New York State Police say a traffic stop in the City of Newburgh on November 20 culminated in a felony drug arrest when officers found a clear plastic bag containing about 59.7 grams of cocaine. The stop occurred at approximately 3:24 p.m. on Gidney Avenue when members of the Troop F Community Stabilization Unit observed a 2021 Nissan Rogue committing traffic violations and pulled the vehicle over.
The sole occupant of the vehicle was identified as 34 year old Thomas H. Cousar of Poughkeepsie. During the troopers investigation Cousar was found to be in possession of the suspected cocaine and attempted to flee the traffic stop but was quickly taken into custody. He was transported to Middletown for processing and charged with felony third degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and felony third degree criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell. Additional charges included misdemeanor second degree obstructing governmental administration, misdemeanor resisting arrest, and several vehicle and traffic violations.
Cousar was arraigned in the Orange County Central Arraignment Part and remanded to the Orange County Jail without bail. The arrest and charges were posted November 20 and remain part of ongoing local court proceedings. For residents of Orange County and neighboring communities such as Poughkeepsie and Middletown, the case is a reminder of how everyday enforcement of traffic laws can lead to discovery of more serious criminal activity.
Law enforcement agencies in the Hudson Valley have emphasized targeted efforts to curb both street level and larger scale drug distribution. Traffic enforcement actions by units like Troop F Community Stabilization are one tool used to disrupt potential distribution routes that utilize regional roadways. The discovery of nearly 60 grams of cocaine in a single vehicle raises concerns about intent to distribute and the ways controlled substances can move between towns across county lines.
Beyond immediate criminal consequences for the individual arrested, the incident has local significance for public safety and community confidence. Residents who commute along Gidney Avenue and adjacent corridors may see increased enforcement presence as troopers work to address traffic violations and related criminal activity. The case will proceed through the Orange County justice system where prosecutors and defense attorneys will address the charges and any evidence gathered during the stop.
As the courts process the matter, law enforcement officials continue routine patrols and investigative activities aimed at reducing drug related harms in the region and maintaining public order on streets used daily by Orange County families and commuters.
