A Luzerne County man has been charged with possession of drugs following a traffic stop.

According to the affidavit of probable cause filed by trooper Michael Sofranko of the Pennsylvania State Police, Lehighton barracks in the case against James Hems:

At 8:48 p.m. Oct. 17, Sofranko stopped blue Honda Civic that had a loud muffler and no illuminated registration light in the area of Route 209 near Route 476 Franklin Township.

Hems, 28, of Exeter, was the driver and the car inspection was expired.

Hems was nervous and shaky and a strong odor of marijuana was emanating from within the vehicle.

Sofranko asked Hems for his license, registration and insurance information. He said that he had just bought the car a few days ago, but had no proof of purchase or insurance information.

Sofranko determined Hems’ license was suspended.

Sofranko said Hems showed signs of impairment and he failed field sobriety tests.

He told Sofranko that he had smoked marijuana earlier that day. He refused to submit to a chemical test.

Sofranko saw a large “bud” of marijuana stuck in between the passenger seat and center console.

A search of the vehicle revealed two large vacuum sealed bags of marijuana weighing about one pound in the trunk area, and also in the truck was a clear container that contained 1,000 grams of THC sugar.

Hems admitted all of the contraband was his, and also said that he had smoked some of the marijuana from the one opened black vacuum bag earlier in the day after buying it for about $2,500.

Hems faces charges of manufacture, delivery or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver; marijuana, small amount for personal use; use/possession of drug paraphernalia; DUI - controlled substance, impaired ability; driving while operating privilege suspended or revoked; operating vehicle without required financial responsibility; careless driving; no rear lights; violation of sound level; and operating vehicle without valid inspection.

He is currently incarcerated in the Carbon County Correctional Facility in lieu of $75,000, 10 percent, and scheduled to have a preliminary hearing Nov. 25 before District Judge William J. Kissner of Palmerton.