Cops: Driver on Meadowbrook arrested on drug charges

A motorist stopped for speeding on the Meadowbrook Parkway Sunday in East Garden City was arrested on drug charges after State Police said troopers observed a hypodermic needle in the vehicle.

John Monahan, 53, of Holbrook, was charged with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, two counts of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, possession of a hypodermic needle, criminal use of drug paraphernalia, driving while ability impaired by drugs and unlawful possession of marijuana following the stop near Stewart Avenue at 2:52 p.m., police said

Monahan was held for arraignment in First District Court in Hempstead, police said.

Court records show Monahan was ordered held on $2,500 bond or $2,500 cash bail -- and is scheduled to next appear in court on Wednesday.

State Police said troopers from the Farmingdale barracks stopped Monahan on the Meadowbrook after they clocked his Toyota traveling at 77 mph in a 55-mph zone. Police said troopers spotted a hypodermic needle in the vehicle and said Monahan "exhibited signs of intoxication." Monahan was given a field sobriety test which he failed, police said.

Troopers said a search of the vehicle then uncovered "clear bags" containing cocaine, as well as additional hypodermic needles, crack cocaine, a pipe for smoking marijuana and a scale. "Several" small bags of heroin were also recovered from Monahan's pockets, police said in a news release.