A vehicle stop in Nesquehoning has led to drug charges being filed against a passenger.

On Saturday, Nov. 16, Office Dane O'Brien made a traffic stop of a vehicle for an exhaust system violation, about 7:44 p.m. along SR54.While speaking to the driver the officer observed a rear seat passenger. After receiving documents from the driver, O'Brien informed him that he would be receiving a warning concerning the exhaust system. He also requested a consent search of the vehicle.The rear passenger was identified as George Richard Yurkanin, 32, of 209 Beaver Brook Road, Hazleton. As a result of the search the officer found a cigarette pack which contained suspected illegal drugs. A test resulted in a positive result for the presence of marijuana, methamphetamine, and heroin.Yurkanin was charged with tampering with/fabricate physical evidence, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.