Two Arrested in Rome Drug Bust

Police seized cocaine, crack cocaine, and drug paraphernalia during a search warrant execution.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:18am

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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 illustrating the evidence seized in a drug-related crime.A recent drug bust in Rome, NY exposes the ongoing challenge of combating the local drug trade.Rome Today

New York State Police arrested two people in Rome, NY on Thursday following the execution of a search warrant at a residence on Lawrence Street. Police seized more than one-half ounce of cocaine, more than one-eighth ounce of crack cocaine, a cutting agent, drug packaging materials, a scale, and a drug ledger.

Why it matters

This drug bust is part of ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat the opioid crisis and reduce the availability of hard drugs in the Rome community. The seizure of cocaine and crack cocaine, as well as drug paraphernalia, indicates the suspects were allegedly involved in the distribution of illegal narcotics.

The details

The search warrant was executed by the State Police Troop D Violent Gang and Narcotics Enforcement Team, with assistance from the Rome Police Department, Counter Terrorism Intelligence Unit – North, and uniform members. Vicent N. Hobson, 32, of Rome, was arrested and charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree, both class B felonies. Nihada Sabanagic, 32, of Rome, was also arrested and charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 7th degree, a class A misdemeanor.

  • The search warrant was executed on Thursday, April 10, 2026.

The players

Vicent N. Hobson

A 32-year-old resident of Rome, NY who was arrested and charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree, both class B felonies.

Nihada Sabanagic

A 32-year-old resident of Rome, NY who was arrested and charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 7th degree, a class A misdemeanor.

New York State Police

The law enforcement agency that executed the search warrant and made the arrests.

Rome Police Department

The local police department that assisted the New York State Police in the execution of the search warrant and arrests.

Counter Terrorism Intelligence Unit – North

The specialized unit that assisted the New York State Police and Rome Police Department in the execution of the search warrant and arrests.

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What’s next

Vicent N. Hobson was remanded to the Oneida County Jail without bail, while Nihada Sabanagic was issued an appearance ticket returnable to Rome City Court at a later date.

The takeaway

This drug bust highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat the opioid crisis and reduce the availability of hard drugs in the Rome community. The seizure of cocaine, crack cocaine, and drug paraphernalia indicates the suspects were allegedly involved in the distribution of illegal narcotics, which poses a threat to public safety.