Three local men from Oakland and Franklin Lakes face serious drug charges in Saugerties, NY.
The 3 local residents were on route to the Mountain Jam concert at Hunter Mountain when a minor vehicle violation led to the discovery of a drug cache police suspect was intended for resale at the concert. A search of the suspects’ car found 3 ounces of cocaine, 3 ounces of marijuana, and about 250 ecstasy tablets.
The arrests were part of an URGENT Task Force operation. This task force is comprised of members from Ulster County Sheriff’s Office, Kingston police, town of Ulster police, town of Saugerties police, town of Lloyd police, town of New Paltz police, town of Plattekill police, town of Rosendale police, town of Shandaken police, town of Woodstock police, Ulster County Probation and United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Saugerties NY
The suspects were remanded to Ulster County jail in lieu of $25,000 cash or $50,000 property bond, according to police. Police said the investigation continues and the defendants face numerous additional charges.
Assuming the 3 defendants were not going to consume 250 ecstasy tablets, this drug would have probably provided the largest profit margin. Ecstasy tables can cost about .50 to manufacture, and easily sell on the street for $25-$30 dollars. As a chemical compound that can be manufactured within geographic borders, less overhead production and transportation make it exceptionally profitable.
The marijuana, if rolled into joints, would probably number about 250; 3 ounces is not an overtly large amount, but large enough to cast doubt on any defense of personal consumption. The quality of marijuana significantly impacts the price it could be sold, but 3 ounces of even high grade marijuana would not produce a major profit when factoring in the associated costs of production.
Cocaine is usually sold in measurements such as an “eight ball” or a half ounce; an eight ball being one eight of an ounce and selling for about $250-$300 dollars. Usually amounts over a half ounce raise concerns about the drug being intended for resale.
Residents should be aware of ecstasy tablets falling into the hands of children, tweens or teens. The tablets, as shown in the accompanying image, often are stamped with childlike images or cartoon characters and therefore appear to be candy.
Ecstasy tablets look like candy - click to enlarge
Cocaine is sold as "8 balls" or has half ounce -click to enlarge
3 ounces of marijuana = about 250 joints