A Dunkirk man has been charged in the sale and possession of illegal drugs after being picked up this morning by police on Lake Shore Drive.

Over the course of several months, the Dunkirk Police Department and the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force has conducted an investigation into the sale and distribution of narcotics in the city of Dunkirk.

The investigation led to the Chautauqua County Grand Jury issuing secret indictment warrants for Carmelo Cruz, 55, of 724 Central Ave., charging him with third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance and third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. At about 8:45 a.m., members of the Dunkirk Police Department observed Cruz traveling in a vehicle on Lakeshore Drive in the city. The vehicle was stopped and Cruz was taken into custody without incident. Cruz will be held at the Chautauqua County Jail pending arraignment.

The Dunkirk Police Department, Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office and the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force encourage members of the community to report any suspicious or illegal activity.