Dutchess County investigators say repeated complaints from residents led to a search that uncovered a large quantity of cocaine allegedly packaged for sale along with cash, scales and packaging materials
POUGHKEEPSIE, NY – Complaints from Poughkeepsie residents about suspected drug activity led investigators to a 67-year-old man who was arrested after a search allegedly uncovered a large quantity of cocaine packaged for sale inside his North Perry Street residence, according to the Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office.
Phillip H. Farrar, 67, was arrested Wednesday following an investigation by the Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force.
Investigators identified Farrar as a suspected narcotics dealer allegedly operating from an apartment at 20 North Perry Street in Poughkeepsie.
The investigation began after the Drug Task Force received complaints from concerned community members about alleged narcotics sales in the area.
Agents subsequently conducted surveillance and allegedly observed Farrar on numerous occasions during the investigation, according to the district attorney’s office.
Those investigative efforts led to a search warrant for Farrar and his residence.
On Wednesday, Drug Task Force agents and members of the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Bureau apprehended Farrar outside his North Perry Street residence without incident.
Agents and K9 Ziky then executed the search warrant.
Investigators said the search resulted in the seizure of a large quantity of cocaine allegedly packaged for sale, along with packaging materials, scales, U.S. currency and other related evidence.
The district attorney’s office did not disclose the exact amount of cocaine or cash allegedly seized.
Farrar was charged with one count of second-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a class A-II felony, and one count of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a class B felony.
He was arraigned in City of Poughkeepsie Court and remanded to the Dutchess County Justice and Transition Center without bail, according to prosecutors.
The district attorney’s office said additional charges related to the alleged sale of narcotics are pending.
Investigators said the Drug Task Force continues to focus on areas of Dutchess County identified through community reports as locations for violent crime and narcotics sales.
The charges against Farrar are accusations. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Key Points
- Phillip H. Farrar, 67, was arrested after complaints from Poughkeepsie residents triggered an investigation into alleged narcotics sales.
- Investigators say a search of his North Perry Street residence uncovered a large quantity of cocaine packaged for sale, cash, scales and packaging materials.
- Farrar faces two felony controlled-substance possessio