Tamaqua man facing drug charges

Tamaqua police cited Russell J. Nelson, 36, ofVine Street, Tamaqua, after an incident on Schuylkill Avenue on Dec. 4.

A resident called police to report a suspicious male, carrying a flashlight, who seemed to be looking into parked vehicles. When officers arrived, they found Nelson, with a flashlight. He denied looking into or entering cars.

When asked to empty his pockets, Nelson threw something to the ground, then stepped on it. Officers retrieved a wax bag containing a white powder, which Nelson explained was antibiotics for an infected finger. The powder tested positive for methamphetamine.

Nelson was charged with possession of a controlled substance.