Buy Bust Drug Operation in Delaware County

Delaware County Sheriff’s officials say they arrested an Ulster County parolee in June following an investigation into drug and gang activity.

Tips from the community resulted in authorities conducting a buy-bust operation in Fleischmanns.  Officials say 30 year old Joseph VanLeuvan of Big Indian, New York fled at a high rate of speed from the scene after selling heroin and cocaine to an undercover operative.

VanLeuvan was tracked to locations in Middletown and Roxbury and the Ulster County Town of Shandaken.

His car was located in Roxbury and was seized by authorities.

VanLeuvan was later found at a home on Pine Hill and was arrested without incident.

He is charged with four felony counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance and two felony counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell as well as misdemeanor unlawfully fleeing police, reckless driving, speeding and several other traffic violations.

Deputies say they believe VanLeuvan sold more than 70 bags of heroin and powder cocaine in the Town of Middletown.

He was jailed on $250,000 bail.