Two Utica Men Busted With Half A Pound Of Cocaine On I-87

Two Utica men have been arrested by State Police for allegedly possessing nearly a half pound of cocaine.

State Police say they stopped a vehicle on I-87 in the Village of Ardsley Friday just after 9:00 p.m. due to a number of traffic violations.

Probable cause to search the vehicle was established after Troopers interviewed the driver, 58-year-old Matthew Cuda of Utica. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of approximately 226 grams of cocaine and almost a gram of marijuana.

Cuda and his passenger, 36-year-old Dennis Rodgers of Utica, were arrested and are facing several charges including:

• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 2^nd degree; a Class A Felony (Cuda and Rodgers)
• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 3^rd degree; a Class B Felony (narcotic drug with intent to sell) (Cuda and Rodgers)
• Aggravated Unlicensed Operation 2^nd degree; a Unclassified Misdemeanor (Cuda only)
• Resisting Arrest; a Class A Misdemeanor (Rodgers only)
• Obstruction of Governmental Administration 2^nd degree; a Class A Misdemeanor (Rodgers only)
• Harassment 2^nd degree; a Violation (Rodgers only)
• Unlawful Possession of Marijuana; a Violation (Rodgers only)
• Vehicle and Traffic Violations (Cuda only)

Both men are being held in Westchester County Jail without bail.