Man Pulled Over Near Merrick Avenue Allegedly Coughs up Cocaine

According to New York State Troopers, a Fresh Meadows man originally pulled over for speeding on the Southern State Parkway, got himself in more serious trouble when he allegedly coughed up bottles containing cocaine.

New York State Police said that on Wednesday at approximately 9:20 p.m., Trooper Nolan stopped a gray Honda Odyssey for speeding – 81 miles per hour in a 55 mile per hour zone. The vehicle was traveling westbound on the Southern State Parkway near Merrick Avenue.

While interviewing the vehicle operator, Fabian Illera, age 37, of Fresh Meadows, Illera gave conflicting accounts on where he was going. Illera gave Nolan and his K-9 consent to search his vehicle, according to police. 

Police said that while Nolan was speaking to Illera in front of his vehicle, he coughed up – from his mouth – three small bottles containing cocaine.  

The defendant was arrested for criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree and traffic violations.

Illera was held for arraignment in Nassau County First District Court. 

The arrest information was supplied by the New York State Police. It does not indicate a conviction.