Man charged after Weissport heroin investigation

An investigation into heroin distribution in the Lehighton area has resulted in the arrest of Michael J. Smith, 52, of White Street, Suite B, Weissport, by Lehighton Borough police.

Smith is charged with delivery or manufacture of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and two counts of possession of a controlled substance.

In an affidavit of probable cause, police said on Feb. 1 they were issued a search warrant for Smith’s residence. Police said during their investigation, they observed two men traveling in a Pontiac Grand Am, then saw Smith conduct a hand-to-hand transaction involving cash typically consistent with a drug transaction.

Police said they took Smith into custody in the area of Park Street and Allen Alley. Smith had a clear vacuum-sealed package of 10 black rubber band-bound bundles containing 500 individual waxine bags, stamped with red skulls and black wings, containing suspected heroin and $383 in cash from his pants pocket.

Police said the search resulted in seizure of 4.6 grams of suspected methamphetamine, two plastic bags containing large amounts of rubber bands, approximately 20 syringes, two 100-gram scale weights, five electronic scales, two tin foil smoking devices with marijuana residue in them, a black ZTE cellphone, a water bong, numerous amounts of ripped waxine bags and $225.

Police said a field test of the suspected methamphetamine produced positive results.