West Turin Drug Possession Stop Leads to Meth Charge
State Police said suspected crystal meth was discovered after a traffic stop on State Route 26 involving men from Carthage and Boonville.
A West Turin drug possession investigation resulted in a misdemeanor charge against a Boonville man after New York State Police said a trooper discovered suspected crystal methamphetamine during a traffic stop Tuesday afternoon.
The stop happened at approximately 3:50 p.m. on August 25, 2026, on State Route 26 in the town of West Turin, according to State Police. Troopers said the vehicle, a red 2017 Ford Edge, was initially stopped for allegedly failing to keep right.
Trooper Stops Vehicle on State Route 26
State Police identified the driver as Randy J. Myers, 39, of Carthage, and the passenger as Xavier T. Polk, 40, of Boonville.
According to the police account, the trooper observed what investigators described as erratic behavior while speaking with the two men and became suspicious that criminal activity might be occurring.
Police said Myers consented to a search of the Ford Edge.
During that search, State Police reported finding a red zippered pouch containing what authorities described as crystal methamphetamine.
Police said a subsequent search of Polk also uncovered a plastic baggie containing suspected crystal methamphetamine.
The State Police release did not specify the amount of suspected methamphetamine recovered or provide laboratory testing information.
Boonville Man Charged With Drug Possession
State Police charged Polk with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a Class A misdemeanor.
Under New York Penal Law §220.03, a person commits the offense when that person knowingly and unlawfully possesses a controlled substance, subject to exceptions contained in state law. The statute currently classifies the offense as a Class A misdemeanor.
The charge against Polk is an allegation. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
State Police said Polk was processed and issued an appearance ticket directing him to appear in West Turin Town Court on October 7, 2026, at 2:30 p.m.
What Happened to the Driver?
Myers was not reported as being charged with drug possession.
According to State Police, Myers received one traffic ticket and was released from the scene. Police did not identify the specific traffic violation listed on that ticket beyond stating that the original traffic stop was made after the Ford allegedly failed to keep right.
That distinction is important. Although police reported discovering suspected drugs inside the vehicle, the State Police announcement listed only Polk as being charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance.
Key Details From the West Turin Traffic Stop
- Date: August 25, 2026
- Time: Approximately 3:50 p.m.
- Location: State Route 26, West Turin
- Vehicle: Red 2017 Ford Edge
- Driver: Randy J. Myers, 39, of Carthage
- Passenger: Xavier T. Polk, 40, of Boonville
- Reported substance: Crystal methamphetamine
- Charge: Seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance
- Court date: October 7, 2026
- Court: Town of West Turin Court
The information comes from the official New York State Police report.
Why the Initial Traffic Stop Matters
Traffic stops sometimes lead to investigations involving offenses unrelated to the original reason a vehicle was pulled over.
In this case, the stated reason for the stop was an alleged failure to keep right. Police said their investigation expanded after the trooper observed the occupants’ behavior and suspected possible criminal activity.
The search of the vehicle was conducted after Myers consented, according to State Police.
That detail matters because the circumstances surrounding searches during traffic stops can become important if criminal charges are later challenged in court. However, State Police have not reported any such challenge in this case.
What Happens Next?
Polk is expected to answer the charge in West Turin Town Court in October.
An appearance ticket generally requires a defendant to report to court on a specified date rather than being held in custody pending the first court appearance.
The State Police announcement did not report additional charges, an ongoing search for other suspects or additional arrests connected with the case.
It also did not state whether the suspected methamphetamine had undergone laboratory confirmation.
West Turin Case Remains an Allegation
The West Turin drug possession case began as a routine traffic stop and ended with a Boonville man facing a misdemeanor controlled-substance charge.
For readers following local crime reports, it is important to distinguish between what police allege and what has been established in court. Polk has been charged, but a criminal charge is not a conviction.
The Utica Phoenix will continue to follow significant public-safety developments affecting Lewis County, Oneida County and communities throughout Central New York.
Source: New York State Police, August 27, 2026. New York State Penal Law §220.03.
