NEW PALTZ – Friday the 13th was an unlucky day for five New Paltz area people, who were all arrested and charged with drug trafficking.

The five were arrested by the URGENT task force for allegedly selling drugs in the Town of Village of New Paltz.

Police had received several complaints regarding drug sales in and around the village. During the course of the investigation, a number of suspects sold cocaine to undercover police officers.

On Friday police executed search warrants at 512 Meadowbrook Circle and 802 Meadowbrook Circle. A search of 512 Meadowbrook netted over 60 grams of cocaine, electronic scales, drug packaging material and other drug paraphernalia. A search of 802 Meadowbrook revealed over four ounces of cocaine, marijuana, electronic scales, drug packaging material, drug records, cutting agents and other drug paraphernalia and handgun ammunition.

Arrested were Ali Khan Lodki, 20, of 802 Meadowbrook; Eli Erazo, 35, and Melissa Vandermark, 30, both of 512 Meadowbrook; Martice Mclellan, 20, of 41F Colonial Arms in New Paltz; and Ronald Fells, 35, of 24 Amato Lane in Highland.
They were all charged with criminal sale and possession of a controlled substance as a felony.

Lodhi, Erazo and Vandermark were also charged with criminally using drug paraphernalia.

All five were arraigned and remanded to the Ulster County Jail.