Ulster County Man Arrested After Police Observe Drug Deal

An Ulster County man, currently on parole, was arrested after police say the observed a drug deal. The 38-year-old was later found to be in possession of several narcotics and needles.

Members of the Ulster Regional Gang Enforcement Narcotics Team (URGENT) were conducting an investigation into narcotic sales in the Shandaken area. During their investigation authorities allege they observed a drug deal taking place in a vehicle in the area of Route 214 and Main Street in Phoenicia.

As officers approached, one of the occupants of the vehicle fled. A brief foot chase ensued and the subject was detained by a Sheriff’s K9 after trying to discard the narcotics.

Police allege, 38-year-old Joshua C Levine, of Phoenicia, was found to be in possession of a quantity of heroin, Suboxone and Xanax, along with two hypodermic needles. He was charged with tampering with physical evidence, a felony and 3 counts of 7th-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminally possessing a hypodermic instrument, resisting arrest, 2nd-degree obstruction governmental administration, and 1st-degree loitering, all misdemeanors.

Levine is also currently on parole in New York State. He was arraigned in Shandaken Town Court and remanded to the Ulster County Jail without bail to return at a later time.