Patrick J. Souffrant, 34, of Brooklyn was sentenced to nine years in prison after being found guilty for a number of drug related charges.
He was charged with felony counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the second degree, criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, criminal possession of marijuana, criminal using drug paraphernalia and a misdemeanor charge of unlawful possession of marijuana, according to the Albany County District Attorney David Soares’ office.
Souffrant also faces drug charges in Otsego County.
According Soares’ office, Souffrant’s taxi was pulled over by Colonie police on the evening of June 30, for using its high beams.
Police said the taxi had a strong odor of marijuana and both Souffrant and the driver were smoking marijuana while the vehicle was moving. The driver said the drugs belonged to Souffrant, according to the district attorney’s office.
Souffrant was searched, and was found with 2 lbs. and 1 ounce of marihuana, a digital scale with cocaine residue, and more than four ounces of cocaine.
Assistant District Attorney Kurt Haas of the Street Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
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