POUGHKEEPSIE – A year-long investigation into drug sales on Poughkeepsie’s Main Street corridor by the Dutchess County Drug Task Force culminated Thursday when a search warrant executed at 320 Main Street resulting in the seizure of two handguns and approximately one ounce of cocaine.

According to Task Force Coordinator Sgt. Brett Orlich, a search warrant was executed at a recording studio on Main Street called the Upstate Music Alliance a.k.a. Rocco Don Records.

That led to the seizure of a Bersa .380 caliber handgun and a high point .9mm handgun, narcotics, approximately $2,000 in cash, and the arrest of Rawl Shawn Deslandes, 37, at 11 Jewett Avenue in Poughkeepsie.

Deslandes, and some of the loot seized during his arrest

Deslandes is what would be classified as a “mid to upper level cocaine distributor” moving narcotics throughout the county, operating at a level that is above the visibility range of the community at large, said the sergeant.

In addition to the narcotics, weapons, and money that were seized, Orlich said that a late model Ford SUV was confiscated along with electronic equipment, business records, and computers.

Knapp, left, and Orlich say the investigation continues and more arrests are pending

Orlich noted that other locations were later searched and, besides the one ounce of narcotics seized during this morning’s arrest, police seized an additional nine ounces of cocaine.

Although Deslandes does have a prior record, the police department does not believe his criminal activity to be gang related.

Poughkeepsie Mayor John Tkazyik said collaboration among law enforcement agencies led to the arrest and confiscation of drugs. But, crime fighting doesn’t end there, he said. “We still have to remain vigilant, we still have to be persistent, we have to keep our eyes and ears open, and we have to be willing to support all law enforcement to its highest levels.”

Deslandes will be charged with first-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, and two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, all felonies.

The investigation is ongoing, said Orlich, and more arrests are pending.