KENT, NY — What began as a routine traffic stop on Ludingtonville Road near I-84 turned into a significant drug bust Saturday evening, resulting in the arrest of two Holmes residents on felony drug charges.
At approximately 7:15 p.m., Kent Police initiated the traffic stop after observing a vehicle with an apparent violation. During the course of the stop, the responding officer conducted a routine check of the driver’s information through the State Police Information Network (SPIN).
That check revealed that the driver, Mark Tompkins, 45, was operating the vehicle with a suspended license, prompting further investigation.
Heroin Discovered Inside the Vehicle
According to Kent Police Chief Kevin Owens, the situation escalated when officers searched the vehicle and discovered multiple bundles of heroin concealed inside. The discovery led to the immediate arrest of both Tompkins and his passenger, Laura Fucile, 38, also of Holmes.
Both individuals were charged with felony counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, a serious offense under New York State law. Tompkins was additionally charged with unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle due to his suspended license status.
Chief Owens confirmed that the heroin found in the vehicle was packaged in a way consistent with distribution or sale, though further investigation is needed to determine whether the pair were involved in a broader narcotics operation.
Arraigned and Released Pending Court Action
Tompkins and Fucile were arraigned before Kent Justice Kevin Douchkoff and, in accordance with current bail reform laws, were released without bail. They are scheduled to return to court at a later date to face the charges.
No injuries were reported during the stop, and there was no indication of resistance or attempts to flee. Police have not yet disclosed the exact quantity of heroin seized, but described it as a “large cache.”
Community Impact and Ongoing Investigation
This arrest highlights the continuing challenges that small towns and rural communities face in battling drug activity, particularly with the growing presence of opioids like heroin.
Chief Owens emphasized the importance of routine patrols and traffic enforcement in helping to uncover more serious crimes. “This is a great example of how a simple traffic stop can reveal dangerous criminal activity,” he said. “Our officers remain committed to keeping Kent and the surrounding communities safe.”
The Kent Police Department is continuing to investigate the source of the narcotics and whether Tompkins and Fucile are connected to any larger drug trafficking operations in the area.
Public Encouraged to Report Suspicious Activity
Authorities are reminding residents that community awareness plays a critical role in crime prevention. Anyone with information related to this case or other suspicious activity in the area is urged to contact the Kent Police Department.
As the opioid crisis continues to affect communities across the state, law enforcement officials say this arrest is another reminder of the persistent efforts required to combat drug abuse and trafficking at the local level.
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