Man is facing drug charges after traffic stop

A Lehighton man faces drug charges after drugs were found in his vehicle during a traffic stop in Nesquehoning.

Edward Brian Zielinski, 50, of Forest Street, was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance, possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, giving a false name to law enforcement, failing to stop at a stop sign and driving while privileges are suspended.

According to an affidavit filed by Nesquehoning police officer Timothy Wuttke, at 12:54 p.m., on Sunday, officers conducted a traffic stop on a Chevrolet Cruze after the driver, later identified as Zielinski, failed to stop at the intersection of routes 209 and 93.

Zielinski told police he did not have his license on him but gave Wuttke the name Gerald Zielinski.

During the conversation, Wuttke noticed Zielinski’s hands were shaking and he appeared to be nervous.

A search of the name Zielinski gave police showed a heavier set man, to which Zielinski said he had lost a lot a weight. The smell of marijuana was also detected in the vehicle.

A vehicle search was conducted and found inside were marijuana and drug paraphernalia, three digital scales and a small bag of methamphetamine.

Zielinski and his passenger were taken back to the police station and the vehicle towed due to not being insured.

During the interview at the station, Wuttke asked about names tattooed on the defendant’s arm, including one saying Edward Jr.

Zielinski then admitted he gave police his brother’s name because he is wanted in Philadelphia and has a suspended driver’s license.

Zielinski was arraigned and is in Carbon County Correctional Facility in lieu of $50,000 bail. He faces a preliminary hearing on July 10 before District Judge Casimir Kosciolek in Lansford.