Two Men Arrested on Drug Charges in Clarkstown

Suspects accused of possessing cocaine and heroin during traffic stop on New York State Thruway

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:49am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a small plastic bag containing white powder, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the evidence seized in a drug-related arrest.A recent drug bust on the New York State Thruway exposes the ongoing battle against the distribution of hard narcotics in local communities.NYC Today

New York State Police arrested two men, Damien J. Devone and Harry N. Olds Jr., on multiple felony drug charges following a traffic stop on the New York State Thruway in Clarkstown. The suspects were found to be in possession of 71 grams of cocaine and 5.7 grams of heroin.

Why it matters

Drug trafficking and possession of hard drugs like cocaine and heroin remain a persistent issue in many New York communities, often leading to wider problems of addiction, crime, and public health concerns. This arrest highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to crack down on the distribution and use of illegal narcotics in the region.

The details

During the traffic stop, troopers discovered that Devone's driver's license had been revoked. A search of the vehicle uncovered the large quantities of cocaine and heroin. Both Devone and Olds denied ownership of the drugs. Devone was charged with several felony drug possession charges as well as traffic violations, while Olds faced two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance.

  • The traffic stop and arrests occurred on April 8, 2026, shortly after 6 p.m.
  • Devone was arraigned in Clarkstown Town Court on April 9, 2026.
  • Olds Jr. was released on his own recognizance with a return court date of May 4, 2026.

The players

Damien J. Devone

A 43-year-old man from Brooklyn who was the driver of the vehicle and was charged with multiple felony drug possession charges as well as traffic violations.

Harry N. Olds Jr.

A 36-year-old man from Albany who was the passenger in the vehicle and was charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance.

New York State Police

The law enforcement agency that conducted the traffic stop and made the arrests.

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What’s next

The judge will decide on Devone's bail at his next court appearance on April 13, 2026. Olds Jr. is scheduled to return to court on May 4, 2026.

The takeaway

This arrest highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat the distribution and use of illegal drugs like cocaine and heroin in New York communities. While drug trafficking remains a persistent issue, this case demonstrates that police are vigilant in their efforts to get dangerous narcotics off the streets.