Man charged with possession of methamphetamine

A Bowmanstown man faces charges after he was found to be in possession of methamphetamine during a traffic stop.

According to the affidavit of probable cause filed by trooper Gary Fedor of the Pennsylvania State Police Troop N-Lehighton:

At 1:03 p.m. Tuesday, Fedor observed a green Chevrolet Lumina traveling on Bank Street near White Street.

The registration was queried and was suspended for insurance cancellation.

Fedor conducted a traffic stop on Bank Street near White Street in Bowmanstown.

Upon approaching the vehicle, the driver had one male passenger who said that he did not have a license or any paperwork for the vehicle.

He provided his name and date of birth, and was identified as David McFarland, 50, whose license was found to be suspended due to DUI.

While speaking to McFarland, Fedor observed him to have bloodshot, constricted eyes and he spoke with a slow speech.

Fedor requested that McFarland exit the vehicle and perform standard field study tests, which he complied with.

Fedor observed McFarland displaying clues consistent with impaired drivers.

McFarland provided verbal consent of a search of his vehicle, at which time Fedor observed a Zimmerman’s Iced Tea container between the front seats containing numerous clear plastic baggies containing suspected methamphetamine.

Fedor also saw a black eyeglass pouch in the headliner above the driver’s seat containing numerous clear plastic baggies containing suspected methamphetamine.

In total, there were six individual clear plastic baggies containing suspected crystal methamphetamine.

McFarland was arrested for suspicion of DUI and drug possession, and transported to PSP-Lehighton for a drug influence evaluation.

McFarland said that he arranged a meeting on Monday via his cellphone with a female at Lorenzo’s Pizza to sell her meth.

McFarland was transported to Palmerton hospital for a legal blood test.

McFarland faces charges of controlled substance, drug, device and cosmetic act; criminal use of a communication facility; driving while operating privilege is suspended or revoked; careless driving; registration card to be signed and exhibited on demand; and required financial responsibility.

He is currently incarcerated in the Carbon County Correctional Facility in lieu of $75,000 bail, and scheduled to have a preliminary hearing at 10:45 a.m. March 6 before District Judge William Kissner of Palmerton.