Bethpage, NY - December 6, 2017 - The Public Information Office reports the arrest of an East Meadow man for narcotics that occurred on Tuesday, December 05, 2017 at 10:10 p.m. in Bethpage.
According to police, members of the Criminal Intelligence Rapid Response Team (CIRRT) were on patrol and observed the defendant, Ronald Arena, 33, driving a 2013 Nissan eastbound on Hempstead Turnpike. The defendant was exceeding the speed limit and a traffic stop was conducted in the vicinity of the Seaford Oyster Bay Expressway. As CIRRT officers approached the vehicle they noticed a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle.
An investigation revealed the defendant, Ronald Arena, was in possession of a concentrated substance believed to be cannabis. He was also in possession of 6 clear bags that contained a green and brown leafy substance believed to be marijuana, 12 white pills believed to be buprenorphine and naloxone. Further investigation revealed that there were multiple boxes inside the car that contained various fireworks and explosives. The defendant was placed into police custody without incident. The Arson Bomb Squad unit responded and safely secured the explosives.
Defendant, Ronald Arena, is charged with three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th degree, two counts of unlawful possession of marijuana, New York State Labor Law 453, Storage and Explosives, New York State Labor Law 458, Licenses and Certificates and a Vehicle and Traffic Law violation. The defendant will be arraigned in First District Court in Hempstead on Wednesday, December 06, 2017.
A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.