Akwesasne man busted for drug possession with use of police dog

State police in the town of Theresa arrested 24-year-old Robert McDonald of Rooseveltown after a police dog allegedly sniffed out 23 lbs. of hydroponic marijuana on Monday, May 12.

According to police, McDonald was originally stopped for a tinted window violation on Route 37 in Theresa, a town between Alexandria Bay and Watertown.

Trooper Poggi allowed his canine partner “Ram” to do a free-air sniff, and McDonald was subsequently asked if his vehicle could be searched. The drugs were found in the trunk.

The incident marked the second time this month that Ram was used to uncover drugs being transported by Akwesasne individuals. Last week, Trish Keese was arrested after Ram sniffed out 52 lbs. of marijuana.

McDonald was charged with a felony count of 1st degree criminal possession of marijuana and held on $2,500 bail in Jefferson County.