Two Ithaca residents arrested following drug investigation

On May 16, at approximately 5:19 p.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop on Southwest Park Road in the City of Ithaca. The occupants of the vehicle, John M. Panek, 27, and Kandida M. Owens, 32, were found to be in possession of methamphetamine.

During the search, officers seized 16 grams of methamphetamine from Panek and another 2 grams from Owens. Drug packaging and other paraphernalia were also discovered.

Panek was charged with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a Class B felony, and booked into CAP Court, where he was released on his own recognizance. Owens was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a Class A misdemeanor, and was issued an appearance ticket to appear in Ithaca City Court on June 6.

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