(WNY News Now) – A routine traffic stop in the Town of Freedom led to a significant drug seizure, uncovering meth, mushrooms, fentanyl, and other substances.

On December 26, 2024, at approximately 10:18 p.m., Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted a traffic stop on Route 98 near Brown School House Road. The routine stop escalated into a drug investigation resulting in the arrest of two individuals and the seizure of a large quantity of controlled substances.

During the search, K-9 Nichols and his handler identified a locked black and red book bag in the vehicle’s back passenger seat. Deputies gained probable cause to open the bag, uncovering a blue and orange Under Armour lunch box containing:

• 1.385 ounces of methamphetamine
• 2.6 grams of mushrooms
• A vial of fentanyl
• Multiple prescription pills, including hydrocodone, Xanax, alprazolam, and clonazepam
• Numerous unknown substances and drug-packaging materials

The search also revealed a scale with drug residue and suspected cutting agents. Jeffrey L. Nendza, 41, of Portageville, NY, claimed ownership of the bag and its contents. Authorities also seized $1,689 in cash, believed to be proceeds from drug transactions.

A second passenger, Teejay P. Johnson, 34, of Bliss, NY, admitted to possessing methamphetamine. Both individuals were taken into custody.

Nendza faces two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a Class B Felony, with additional charges expected. He is currently held at the Cattaraugus County Jail. Johnson was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree and released with an appearance ticket before being turned over to Cheektowaga Police on an active bench warrant.

As are all persons accused of a crime, the accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.