State Police make multiple felony drug arrests after an early morning traffic stop on the Thruway in Bethlehem

New York – A routine overnight traffic stop on the New York State Thruway turned into a major drug seizure early Christmas Eve, leading to multiple felony arrests and the recovery of a large quantity of suspected methamphetamine, according to State Police.

State Police Troop T, working alongside investigators from the Troop G Bureau of Criminal Investigations in Latham, arrested two Schenectady men and a juvenile after troopers stopped a vehicle traveling northbound on Interstate 87 in the town of Bethlehem. The stop occurred at approximately 3:03 a.m. on December 24, 2025, after troopers observed vehicle and traffic law violations.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as Shaheem T. Sanders, 23, of Schenectady. Also inside the car were Thaj E. Sobers, 23, also of Schenectady, and a 17-year-old passenger. What initially appeared to be a standard enforcement stop quickly escalated once troopers began further investigation.

Read also: Ontario man faces multiple felony charges after a violent domestic incident reported at a Wayne County residence

With assistance from State Police K9 Ash, troopers conducted a search of the vehicle. During that search, police discovered nearly three pounds of a substance that field tested positive for methamphetamine. Investigators also located a large amount of U.S. currency inside the vehicle, raising further suspicion of drug-related activity.

As a result, all three occupants were taken into custody. Sanders and Sobers were each charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 2nd degree, a class “A” felony, and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd degree, a class “B” felony. In addition to the drug charges, Sanders and Sobers were also cited for violations of vehicle and traffic laws connected to the initial stop.

The 17-year-old passenger was charged with the same drug-related offenses. Due to the individual’s age, the juvenile was issued an appearance ticket that is returnable to Albany County Youth Part Court. The teen was later released into the custody of a guardian, in accordance with state procedures involving minors.

Read also: American St Nick and the extraordinary true story of a Pittsford hero whose wartime kindness brought hope to a nation

Following their arrest, all three individuals were transported to State Police headquarters in Albany for processing. Sanders and Sobers were later arraigned in Bethlehem Town Court. A judge ordered both men remanded to the Albany County Correctional Facility without bail, where they remain pending further court proceedings.

State Police officials emphasized that traffic enforcement remains a critical tool in identifying and disrupting serious criminal activity, including the transportation of illegal drugs along major travel corridors like the Thruway. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and no additional information has been released at this time.