Reading Man Allegedly Caught With 350 Bags of Heroin During I-78 Traffic Stop in L. Saucon

A 26-year-old Reading man is facing drug-related charges after Pennsylvania State Police say he was found to be in possession of 350 bags of heroin mixed with the painkiller fentanyl during a traffic stop on I-78 in Lower Saucon Township Wednesday, Lehigh Valley Live reported Friday.

According to the Lehigh Valley Live story, Christopher Ray Alicea was stopped because he was driving in the rain with his wipers on and headlights off–a violation of a state law–and exhibited nervousness before police decided to search his Toyota Camry, despite the fact that he denied them permission to do so.

Alicea is charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving with a suspended license, driving without required lighting and a window tinting violation, according to court records.

Following a preliminary arraignment before Judge Douglas Schlegel Friday he was committed to Northampton County Prison in lieu of $50,000 bail, records state.

A preliminary hearing before District Judge Elizabeth Romig-Gainer is scheduled for Sept. 27 at 9 a.m. at district court in Lower Saucon Township.