Beacon man arrested on drug charges

WAPPINGERS, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- A Beacon man was arrested in connection to a drug sale investigation, according to the Dutchess County District Attorney's Office Drug Task Force. Rakim Paulin, 44, was arrested in a traffic stop on Route 82 in the town of Wappingers on Wednesday.

The Drug Task Force has been investigating the sale of fentanyl and crack cocaine in Dutchess County. Agents reportedly purchased these drugs from Paulin multiple times during the investigation.

As a result, a search warrant was obtained for Paulin and his vehicle. At the time of his arrest, agents said they found a large amount of fentanyl and crack cocaine as well as scales and packaging materials.

Charges:

• Two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, with the intent to sell
• Two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, while having a half ounce or more of narcotics.

Paulin was transported to the Town of Wappinger Justice Court. He was then remanded to the Dutchess County Jail, where he's being held without bail.

The search warrant for Paulin was executed by the Drug Task Force, the Dutchess County District Attorney's Office Violence Crime and Dangerous Drug Unit and the Dutchess County's Sheriff's Office Emergency Services Unit.

According to the Task Force, fentanyl and cocaine are two of the leading causes of overdose deaths in the county. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the task force at 845-463-6040 or by an email to DrugTaskForceTips@gmail.com.