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Police: Crack cocaine found on Saranac Lake man

Michael A. Miller (Photo courtesy of SLPD)

SARANAC LAKE — A local man who police say was dealing narcotics in the village was arrested Tuesday, allegedly with crack cocaine in his butt.

Police say they arrested Michael A. Miller, 44, of Saranac Lake after a traffic stop in the Tops supermarket parking lot on Church Street around 6 p.m. Tuesday night. Police say they found approximately 18 grams of crack cocaine in Miller’s anal cavity.

Police say their investigation determined that Miller, who is on parole, was traveling outside of the Adirondacks to obtain narcotics and selling those drugs in the village.

Miller was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a class B felony; criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree, a class D felony; and tampering with physical evidence, a class E felony. He was arraigned in the town of Harrietstown court in Saranac Lake and committed to Franklin County Jail in Malone with no bail.

“The Saranac Lake Police Department will continue to remain vigilant and combat the trafficking of narcotics in the village,” Chief Charles A. Potthast wrote in a press release. “Make no mistake, individuals like Miller are bringing poison into our community and it will not be tolerated.”

Miller was a passenger in a vehicle driven by Sheila Gordon, 39, of Saranac Lake. She was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation in the third degree, a misdemeanor, and failing to stop at a stop sign, a violation. She was released with traffic tickets.

“The message to those engaging in this activity is to understand that it is only a matter of time until you are identified and arrested,” Potthast wrote. “More importantly you are putting people’s lives in jeopardy by dealing dangerous drugs in our village.

Tupper Lake village police assisted with a K-9 unit on the scene, Potthast said.

“I would like to recognize the outstanding work of my officers and thank the Tupper Lake Police Department for their assistance,” Potthast added.

Police say the investigation is ongoing and more charges may be added.

(Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly said 18 ounces of crack cocaine were found, but Saranac Lake police called to correct the information. The amount was 18 grams.)

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