Man charged with drug possession

An Albrightsville man has been charged with drug possession after he was arrested with methamphetamine on him.

According to the affidavit of probable cause filed by officer Jarrod Bulger of the Lansford Borough Police Department:

On Nov. 21, as part of an ongoing investigation into methamphetamine distribution in the Carbon County area, information was developed through a BNI Confidential Informant indicating that the defendant, James Vandemark, 48, was planning on traveling to a predetermined location to deliver methamphetamine.

The CI informed police that Vandemark would be leaving the Mahoning Inn and traveling toward the Dollar General in Lehighton.

Surveillance was established at both locations, and Vandemark was observed entering and leaving the Inn.

Subsequently, Vandemark was taken into custody in the area of Lehigh Drive, South Main Lane.

Vandemark told Bulger and others that he had methamphetamine in his front right pocket.

The methamphetamine was removed from his pocket in two small, clear glass jars.

Vandemark gave consent to search his room at the Inn, and more drug paraphernalia was located, including a black and silver digital scale with a calibration weight color residue believed to be methamphetamine.

Once back at the Lehighton station, Vandemark confirmed that he was going to deliver “Chrissy” crystal.

The substance field tested positive for methamphetamine.

Vandemark faces charges of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

He is currently incarcerated in the Carbon County Correctional Facility in lieu of $25,000 bail, and is scheduled to be formally arraigned on Jan. 9.