Arms and drug traffickers were headed from NYC to Buffalo
On July 20, 2023, at approximately 8:03 p.m. Troopers of the Troop F Community Stabilization Unit (CSU) observed a 2023 Hyundai Kona traveling westbound on State Route 17 near exit 94, in the town of Rockland, in violation of several vehicle and traffic violations. Troopers stopped the vehicle and identified the driver as Tyquan A. Robinson, age 32 From New York City (he initially lied about his identity stating his name was Bobby Gordon age 33), front seat passenger Christian R. Tapscott, age 34, and back seat passenger Tandra C. Smoots, age 29, both from Decatur, Alabama.
While Robinson was being interviewed by Troopers, K-9 Wink conducted an exterior and interior sniff of the vehicle, who gave a positive alert to narcotics. A probable cause search of the vehicle was then conducted which yielded 10 firearms, a large amount of ammunition, several large capacity magazines, a Hydrocodone pill and a bookbag with cocaine residue.
Further investigation determined that the suspects were traveling from Alabama and then stayed in New York City. They left NYC and were transporting the weapons and drugs to Buffalo, NY, when they were stopped by Troopers for vehicle and traffic infractions.
State Police worked with the Buffalo Police Department on this case. Thanks to the joint efforts and sharing of information among our law enforcement partners, together we continue to make progress in stopping the flow of illegal guns into our communities and getting dangerous drugs and weapons off the streets.
Seized Firearms:
1) Jennings Firearms 9mm Bryco 58
2) Bryco Arms 9mm Jennings Nine
3) AK 47 Pistol 7.62X39 Zastava Arms
4) Canik Arms 9mm TP9 Elite Combat
5) Firestorm .45 Mini Compact
6) Taurus Arms 9mm G2C Serial
7) Springfield Armory XD 9mm S
8) Kimber 1911 .45 Serial number defaced
9) Sota Arms .556 AR Pistol
10) Ruger .380 LCP2
