POUGHKEEPSIE, NY – A pair of suspected narcotics dealers were arrested after Dutchess County Drug Task Force agents executed multiple search warrants early Wednesday at the Rip Van Winkle high-rise apartment complex, authorities announced.
The coordinated operation, conducted by the Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force with assistance from the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office SWAT and the Poughkeepsie Police Department’s Emergency Services Unit, took place around 2:40 a.m. on February 4. Investigators said the raids targeted apartments within the complex that were allegedly being used for drug trafficking and illegal weapons possession.
During the searches, officers seized quantities of narcotics, packaging materials, digital scales, and an assault rifle. Agents said the investigation involved multiple controlled purchases from separate apartments in the high-rise.
Two city residents charged after early-morning operation
According to District Attorney Anthony Parisi, 37-year-old Stacey L. Shortes Jr. of Poughkeepsie was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third and fifth degrees. Shortes was arraigned and released under probation supervision by the City of Poughkeepsie Court.
Glenn D. Knapp, 40, also of Poughkeepsie, was arrested in connection with the same investigation and charged with third- and fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, as well as third-degree criminal possession of a weapon for allegedly having an assault rifle. Knapp was remanded to the Dutchess County Justice and Transition Center.
District Attorney Parisi said the operation demonstrates the precision and coordination between county and city agencies in identifying and disrupting local narcotics networks.
• Drug Task Force raids Rip Van Winkle high-rise apartments February 4
• Two Poughkeepsie men charged with felony drug and weapons offenses
• Assault rifle and narcotics recovered during multi-agency operation
The Dutchess County Drug Task Force urged residents to continue reporting suspected drug activity by calling 845-463-6040 or emailing Drugtaskforcetips@gmail.com. All tips are confidential.