In a recent operation conducted by the Port Jervis Police, a 48-year-old local resident, Rakeem Whatley, has been apprehended, facing a barrage of charges related to narcotics and weapons possession.
Seizure of Contraband: The Alleged Stash Uncovered
In a report published by the Hudson Valley News, in October 18, 2023, the arrest, carried out on Coleman Street on October 12, resulted from the meticulous execution of a search warrant by city detectives, with crucial support from the patrol division. Port Jervis Police Chief William Worden revealed that Whatley now faces three counts of drug possession, criminal possession of a weapon, and criminal use of drug paraphernalia.
During the arrest by the Port Jervis Police, law enforcement alleges that Whatley was in possession of a substantial amount of contraband. The seized items included $2,950 in cash, a combination of 224 grams of cocaine in both powder and crack forms, 41 grams of Ecstasy pills, an illegally owned and loaded 9 mm handgun, narcotics packaging materials, and a digital scale.
The scale of the alleged narcotics operation and the arsenal at Whatley’s disposal highlight the severity of the charges he faces. The Port Jervis Police, working in tandem with the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, Orange County Drug Task Force, and the Hudson Criminal Analysis Center, underscore the collaborative efforts invested in this investigation.
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Whatley Arraigned and Remanded
According to the news reported by MidHudson News, following the arrest and subsequent investigation, Rakeem Whatley was arraigned and has been remanded to the Orange County Jail without bail. This development signifies the initiation of the legal process that will unfold as the case progresses. The Port Jervis Police, bolstered by collaborative partnerships with various law enforcement agencies, are sending a strong message about their commitment to addressing narcotics-related activities within the community.
The comprehensive efforts of the Port Jervis Police and Orange County District Attorney’s Office, Orange County Drug Task Force, and the Hudson Criminal Analysis Center further emphasize the gravity of the situation and the collective determination to maintain public safety in Port Jervis.