(WNY News Now) A Buffalo man was charged with a felony after Dunkirk police found more than 1.5 ounces of suspected cocaine during a traffic stop for minor infractions.Dunkirk Police Department photo
DUNKIRK, NY On January 7, 2025, when Dunkirk Police officers found more than 1.5 ounces of suspected cocaine packaged for distribution, a routine traffic stop turned into a major drug arrest.
Officers pulled over a car on East 5th Street and Washington Avenue at 4:11 PM for suspected traffic infractions. It was discovered that the driver, Lazaro H. Pintuele-Gonzalez, 34, of Buffalo, had suspended driving privileges in New York State.
Officers arrested Pintuele-Gonzalez after discovering drugs in the car during the investigation. According to authorities, the alleged cocaine that was taken from the scene was packaged in a way that was typical of street-level sales.
Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree (B Felony), one with intent to sell, are among the numerous charges against Pintuele-Gonzalez. Various traffic violations and Aggravated Unlicensed Operation in the Second Degree are additional offenses.
The next day, Pintuele-Gonzalez was formally arrested after authorities secured a warrant. He is still being held at the Dunkirk Police Headquarters while he awaits arraignment.
The accused is deemed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, just like everyone else who is accused of a crime.