Rockland County traffic stop leads to significant drug seizure

Ramapo, New York – A routine traffic stop on the New York State Thruway in Rockland County led to a significant drug seizure and the arrest of two men on felony charges, state police reported.

On February 28, 2025, at approximately 8:26 p.m., troopers from Troop T, SP Tarrytown, were conducting a traffic enforcement operation as part of the Rockland County Violent Crime Suppression Detail. During the operation, they pulled over a 2019 Honda Pilot for a violation of vehicle and traffic laws while traveling on Interstate 87 in the Town of Ramapo.

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The driver of the vehicle was identified as Robert Morales, 57, of Rensselaer, and his passenger as Irving Prado, 51, of the Bronx. As troopers questioned the occupants, their behavior raised suspicion, prompting authorities to conduct a further investigation.

K-9 Odin was deployed to assist in the stop, and after alerting to the presence of narcotics, troopers conducted a probable cause search of the vehicle. The search resulted in the discovery of approximately 48.5 grams of fentanyl and 56 grams of crack cocaine, leading to the immediate arrest of both suspects.

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Morales and Prado were charged with two counts each of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree. One charge was for possession of a narcotic drug weighing half an ounce or more, and the other was for possession with intent to sell. Both charges are classified as class B felonies under New York State Penal Law.

Following their arrest, the suspects were arraigned before the Honorable Judge Michael Bongiorno in Clarkstown Town Court. Judge Bongiorno ordered them to be held at the Rockland County Jail without bail. They are scheduled to reappear in Ramapo Town Court on March 4, 2025, at 1:00 p.m.

The New York State Police continue to emphasize the importance of proactive law enforcement efforts in keeping dangerous drugs off the streets. “This arrest highlights the importance of our ongoing efforts to suppress violent crime and drug trafficking in our communities,” said a spokesperson for Troop T.

Authorities urge anyone with information regarding narcotics trafficking to report it to local law enforcement agencies. The investigation remains ongoing, and further charges could be pending as police continue their inquiry into the case.