UTICA, NY — Two people were arrested on drug charges following a traffic stop on Oneida Street on Nov. 30.
Utica Police units with the Crime Prevention Unit conducted the motor vehicle stop at approximately 9:40 p.m. in response to ongoing narcotics complaints in the Oneida Square area.
During the stop, officers learned that one of the passengers had an outstanding warrant and arrested her.
A search of the passenger revealed suspected narcotics, according to police.
Officers then requested the driver exit the vehicle, and during questioning, developed cause to search him as well.
Officers located a large quantity of suspected cocaine on the driver, police said.
The driver, John Martarello, 67, of New Berlin, New York, was taken into custody and transported to the Utica Police Department.
Martarello was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fourth degree, criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree and vehicle and traffic law violations.
The passenger, Noel Cianni-Bushnell, 47, of Utica, was charged with a warrant for criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree.
