Two Arrested on Drug Charges in Hammond

Chauncey J. Pray and Ashley L. Fuller face felony drug possession and distribution charges after traffic stop.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 6:58pm

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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, conveying the stark, gritty nature of a drug-related crime scene.The seizure of fentanyl and drug paraphernalia during a routine traffic stop exposes the ongoing battle against opioid trafficking in rural New York.Ogdensburg Today

Two individuals, Chauncey J. Pray and Ashley L. Fuller, have been arrested and charged with felony drug possession and distribution offenses following a traffic stop by New York State Police in Hammond, New York. The arrests were made on April 1, 2026 after police observed drug packaging materials during the stop and discovered the suspects were in possession of fentanyl with intent to sell.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat the opioid crisis and drug trafficking in rural communities. Fentanyl is an extremely potent and dangerous synthetic opioid that has contributed to a surge in overdose deaths nationwide. The arrests of Pray and Fuller aim to disrupt the local drug supply and distribution network.

The details

During a routine patrol, New York State Police initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle with an expired inspection in Hammond. Upon searching the vehicle, police discovered narcotics packaging materials, leading them to uncover that Pray and Fuller were in possession of fentanyl with the intent to sell. Both individuals were arrested and charged with multiple felony drug offenses.

  • The traffic stop and arrests occurred on April 1, 2026.
  • Pray was remanded to the St. Lawrence County Correctional Facility following arraignment.
  • Fuller was released to the supervision of probation after arraignment.

The players

Chauncey J. Pray

A 36-year-old resident of Hammond, New York who was arrested and charged with felony drug possession and distribution offenses.

Ashley L. Fuller

A 36-year-old resident of Gouverneur, New York who was arrested and charged with felony drug possession and distribution offenses.

New York State Police Troop B-Violent Gangs and Narcotics Enforcement Team

The law enforcement unit responsible for conducting the traffic stop and making the arrests.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue our vigilance in combating the opioid crisis and removing dangerous drugs from our communities.”

— Sergeant Michael Johnson, Spokesperson, New York State Police

What’s next

The judge will determine whether Pray will be granted bail at a hearing scheduled for April 5, 2026.

The takeaway

This arrest highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to target drug trafficking and distribution networks, particularly involving highly potent synthetic opioids like fentanyl, in an attempt to curb the devastating impacts of the opioid crisis on rural communities.