Syracuse Drug Arrest: Police Seize Gun, Cocaine and Meth
State Police say a traffic stop on Emerson Avenue led to the seizure of cocaine, methamphetamine, psilocybin, a loaded handgun and nearly $2,000.
A Syracuse drug arrest that began with a routine traffic stop led New York State Police to seize several types of suspected illegal drugs, a loaded handgun and nearly $2,000 in cash, according to a police report released Tuesday.
State Police said the investigation began at about 6:41 p.m. on Aug. 29 when members of the Troop D Community Stabilization Unit stopped a 2005 Buick for multiple alleged traffic violations on Emerson Avenue in Syracuse.
Driver Allegedly Pulled Into Private Driveway
According to State Police, troopers attempted to stop the Buick when the driver abruptly pulled into the driveway of a private home.
Police identified the driver as Milton Griffin, 36, of Syracuse.
Investigators said Griffin got out of the vehicle and attempted to move away from it. Troopers then noticed what they described as narcotics packaging in “plain view” inside the Buick. Police said the substance later tested positive for cocaine.
State Police said Griffin was detained but physically resisted as troopers attempted to place him in handcuffs.
Police Report Multiple Drug Seizures
A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of several substances, according to State Police.
Troopers reported finding approximately:
- 23 grams of powder cocaine
- 46 grams of crack cocaine
- 9 grams of methamphetamine pills
- 4 grams of psilocybin
Police also reported recovering drug-packaging materials and a digital scale.
The quantities and descriptions come directly from the State Police account. No independent laboratory report was included with the public news release.
Loaded Glock and Nearly $2,000 Recovered
State Police said troopers also found a loaded Glock Model 32 handgun equipped with what police described as a high-capacity magazine.
Additional items allegedly recovered included:
- Three cellphones
- $1,972 in U.S. currency
- Drug-packaging materials
- A digital scale
- A reportedly fictitious window-tint exemption
The State Police release also lists a charge involving a vehicle identification number that had allegedly been destroyed or altered.
Griffin Faces Several Felony Charges
Griffin was transported to the State Police barracks in North Syracuse.
According to State Police, he was charged with:
Felony charges
- Criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree with intent to sell, a Class B felony
- Criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony
- Criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, a Class C felony
- Criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, a Class D felony
- Criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree, a Class D felony
- Criminal possession of a firearm, a Class E felony
- Criminal possession of a vehicle identification number that has been destroyed or altered, a Class E felony
Misdemeanor charges
Police also listed:
- Two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree
- Obstructing governmental administration in the second degree
- Two counts involving criminal use of drug paraphernalia in the second degree
Each was listed as a Class A misdemeanor.
New York law classifies third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance as a Class B felony under qualifying circumstances, including possession of a narcotic drug with intent to sell.
State law also classifies criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree as a Class C felony. The statute includes circumstances involving possession of a loaded firearm.
Traffic Stops Can Develop Into Larger Investigations
The Syracuse case illustrates how an ordinary traffic enforcement encounter can develop into a broader criminal investigation when officers say they observe evidence of another suspected offense.
In this case, police said the initial reason for stopping the Buick was multiple traffic-law violations. The alleged drugs and firearm were discovered afterward.
However, an arrest does not establish guilt. Prosecutors still must prove the criminal charges in court, and evidence collected during a traffic stop can be challenged through the judicial process.
Griffin was taken to the Onondaga County Justice Center pending arraignment, State Police said.
What Happens Next
The case will move through the court system, where prosecutors will determine how to proceed with the charges filed by State Police.
No conviction was announced in the Sept. 1 State Police report.
The Syracuse drug arrest involved significant allegations, including possession of cocaine, methamphetamine, psilocybin and a loaded firearm. Still, Griffin is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty in court.
Residents with information concerning criminal activity can contact New York State Police through their local troop or use the agency’s crime-tip system.
Source: New York State Police, Troop D; New York State Senate Open Legislation.
Editor’s note: Criminal charges are allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
