New York State Police Conduct Massive Operation in the Hudson Valley

A massive law enforcement operation in Sullivan County, NY, led to dozens of vehicles being impounded, hundreds of tickets being handed out, multiple arrests, and the seizure of illegal guns and drugs.

Operation Plate Check in New York

According to the New York State Police, a multi-agency initiative called “Operation Plate Check 2026” was conducted on Thursday, May 7th, 2026, targeting vehicles using fictitious, cloned, stolen, or switched license plates.

Police say the operation focused on drivers who may have been trying to hide stolen vehicles, avoid law enforcement, or take part in other criminal activity. Investigators also targeted suspects connected to organized retail theft, auto theft investigations, firearms offenses, narcotics trafficking, gang-related activity, and other ongoing criminal investigations.

SEE ALSO: Man Arrested After Climbing Mid-Hudson Bridge to Take Pictures

The one-day crackdown produced some eye-opening numbers across Sullivan County, including:

• 219 traffic citations issued
• 1 seat belt citation issued
• 3 obstructed plate citations issued
• 25 vehicles impounded

Authorities also confirmed that the operation launched two separate criminal investigations that resulted in six arrests and the seizure of illegal firearms and narcotics.

Firearms Recovered in Sullivan County, NY

One of the biggest discoveries came during a traffic stop where troopers arrested three individuals and recovered 89 firearms along with several high-capacity magazines and ammunition.

In a separate investigation, members of the New York State Police Special Investigations Unit seized approximately 20.9 grams of crack cocaine during another traffic stop.

Three people were arrested in connection with that case, including 52-year-old Malike J. Hayward, of Woodbourne, a 17-year-old male from Ellenville, and 24-year-old Andrew J. Porter-Jackson, of Ellenville.

At this time, police have not released additional information regarding the firearms investigation or the identities of the suspects federally charged in connection with the seizure of the 89 firearms.

When more information is available, we will update this article.