Four Arrested After Troopers Seize More Than 5 Pounds of Fentanyl

 A traffic stop on the New York State Thruway led to a major narcotics seizure and multiple felony charges.

A routine traffic stop on Interstate 87 turned into a major drug bust after New York State Police discovered more than five pounds of a substance that field-tested positive for fentanyl inside a vehicle. The fentanyl seizure resulted in the arrest of four individuals from Albany and Schenectady counties, all of whom now face serious felony charges. According to investigators, the seizure occurred during a traffic stop in Albany County and highlights the continuing efforts by law enforcement to combat the spread of dangerous narcotics throughout New York State. 

How the Traffic Stop Unfolded

New York State Police reported that the incident occurred on June 17, 2026, at approximately 9:41 a.m. Troopers assigned to the Trooper G Community Stabilization Unit, working alongside members of the Trooper F Community Stabilization Unit, stopped a vehicle on Interstate 87 in the Town of Coeymans after it was observed nearly causing a collision and committing multiple vehicle and traffic law violations. 

The vehicle’s driver was identified as Juan L. Duran Andino, 36, of Schenectady. Passengers included Eliezer J. Diaz Santiago, 41, Deborah Rodriguez Agosto, 37, and Sully Diaz Tossas, 38, all of Albany. 

During the investigation, troopers deployed K9 “Anson,” whose assistance helped lead to the discovery of more than five pounds of suspected fentanyl inside the vehicle. Authorities said the substance later field-tested positive for containing fentanyl. 

Who Was Arrested?

State Police arrested all four occupants of the vehicle following the discovery.

Charges Against Eliezer J. Diaz Santiago and Deborah Rodriguez Agosto

Both Diaz Santiago and Rodriguez Agosto were charged with:

• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, a Class A felony

• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a Class B felony

These are among the most serious drug possession charges under New York law. 

Charges Against Juan L. Duran Andino

Duran Andino faces the same felony narcotics charges, along with additional charges that include:

• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree

• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree

• Resisting Arrest

• Obstructing Governmental Administration in the Second Degree

• Vehicle and Traffic Law violations

Police reported that Duran Andino resisted arrest before being taken into custody. 

Charges Against Sully Diaz Tossas

Diaz Tossas was charged with:

• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree

• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree

• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree

Investigators stated that an additional controlled substance was found in Diaz Tossas’ possession during processing. 

Why Fentanyl Cases Are Taken So Seriously

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is significantly more potent than morphine. Federal and state authorities continue to identify fentanyl as one of the primary drivers of overdose deaths across the United States. Law enforcement agencies regularly prioritize investigations involving fentanyl because even small quantities can pose substantial risks to users and first responders. 

The seizure of more than five pounds of suspected fentanyl represents a substantial quantity of narcotics removed from circulation. While investigators have not publicly disclosed where the drugs originated or their intended destination, the amount involved resulted in first-degree possession charges, among the highest-level narcotics offenses under New York law. 

Court Proceedings

After their arrests, all four suspects were transported to State Police facilities in Albany for processing. They were later arraigned in Coeymans Town Court. Following arraignment, the court ordered that all four defendants be remanded to the Albany County Correctional Facility pending further proceedings. 

As with all criminal cases, the charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Community Stabilization Units Continue Targeting Drug Trafficking

The arrest highlights the growing role of New York State Police Community Stabilization Units in narcotics enforcement operations. These specialized units often work across troop boundaries to investigate criminal activity, identify trafficking routes, and support local law enforcement efforts. 

Law enforcement officials say traffic stops remain an important tool in identifying criminal activity, particularly when combined with trained K9 units and ongoing intelligence-driven investigations. 

“More than five pounds of a substance that later field-tested positive for containing fentanyl was discovered in the vehicle,” New York State Police said in announcing the arrests. 

The investigation remains ongoing.

The seizure serves as a reminder of the continued presence of dangerous narcotics in New York communities and the ongoing efforts by state and local authorities to disrupt drug trafficking networks before these substances reach neighborhoods across the region.