NYSP seizes narcotics, firearms, and explosive materials from home in Erin after search

PHOTO: NYSP
ERIN, N.Y. (WENY) -- New York State Police said a three-month-long investigation led them to a narcotics, firearms, and explosive materials seizure at a home in the Town of Erin.
On February 4th, the New York State Police Troop E Violent Gang and Narcotics Enforcement Team executed a search warrant at 61 Staples Road in the Town of Erin. They said they seized narcotics, money, firearms and explosive materials there.
NYSP says 42-year old Robert R. Budnick of Erin and 40-year-old Buck L. Bates of Elmira were arrested. Budnick was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 2nd (A-II Felony) and Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd (C Felony). Bates was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th (A Misdemeanor).
Budnick was arraigned and remanded to the Chemung County Jail on $250,000 bail. Bates was released on an appearance ticket. Police say the investigation is ongoing.
NYSP says they found:
- Approximately 4 ounces of methamphetamine oil
- Approximately 1 ounce of crystal methamphetamine
- Scales and packaging materials for narcotics
- $4,700 in U.S. currency
- 20 firearms, several with defaced serial numbers, including:
- 1 AK-47 assault rifle
- 1 AR-10 assault rifle (Ghost Gun)
- 1 SKS assault rifle
- 2 sawed-off shotguns
- 8 bolt-action rifles
- 1 lever-action rifle
- 6 shotguns
- 11 high-capacity ammunition magazines
- Approximately 10,000 rounds of assorted ammunition
- Approximately 20 pounds of binary explosive material (removed by BDU)
- Chemicals and equipment used in the manufacture of methamphetamine (removed by CCSERT)