Traffic Stop on I-87 Leads to Major Cocaine Bust in Ulster County
K9 Search Uncovers Over 300 Grams of Cocaine During Routine Stop
ULSTER, NY — A traffic stop in the Hudson Valley turned into a major drug bust earlier this month when New York State Troopers arrested a Yonkers man for possession of more than 300 grams of cocaine on Interstate 87.
According to State Police, the incident happened on June 2, 2025, around 6:00 p.m. Troopers from the Kingston barracks spotted a 2010 Infiniti committing multiple traffic violations while heading northbound near Exit 19 in the town of Ulster.
After pulling the vehicle over, troopers interviewed the driver, 35-year-old Peter A. Fabregas of Yonkers. A police K9 named Scotty was brought in to assist with the stop. The dog quickly alerted troopers to something suspicious inside the car.
A full search of the vehicle uncovered approximately 322 grams of cocaine—a haul with a street value that could run well into the tens of thousands of dollars, depending on purity and distribution methods.
Fabregas was taken into custody on the spot and transported to State Police Kingston for booking.
Serious Drug Charges Filed
Fabregas now faces multiple felony charges related to drug possession:
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Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree (Class A-I felony)
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Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree (Class B felony)
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Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree (Class C felony)
In addition to these charges, Fabregas is also facing multiple violations of New York State’s vehicle and traffic laws.
He was arraigned the following day, June 3, 2025, in the Town of Ulster Court and was remanded to the Ulster County Jail without bail.
More to Come?
Authorities have stated that the investigation is still active. It’s not yet clear if this arrest will lead to additional charges or uncover broader trafficking operations.
The arrest highlights the ongoing role of K9 units in roadside drug enforcement. Dogs like K9 Scotty are trained to detect illegal drugs with remarkable accuracy, making them vital partners for law enforcement.
Ulster County: A Growing Drug Corridor?
While New York City and the Capital Region tend to dominate headlines, law enforcement experts have warned that drug trafficking routes increasingly run through mid-Hudson areas like Ulster and Dutchess counties. The New York State Thruway, with its connection to major urban centers, is a prime path for drug movement.
This case serves as another example of how even routine traffic stops can lead to major criminal cases. With fentanyl and cocaine seizures rising across the state, New York’s rural and suburban areas are no longer outliers in the larger drug crisis.
