A vehicle stop for speeding by Nesquehoning police led to the arrest of the driver and passenger on drug counts and other charges.

The stop occurred at 5:20 p.m. on Oct. 10 along Route 93 and the game lands.Chief Sean Smith was monitoring traffic and running speed timing when a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica passed him going 76.5 mph in a 55 zone. Smith initiated a traffic stop.The driver was identified as Ronald Ventura, 28, of 109 Henning Drive, Albrightsville, and his passenger as Alisen Vanger, 25, of 261 Rowe St., Tamaqua.Smith indicates in the affidavit of probable cause that he knew the two from his involvement in the county's drug task force and working with the state Attorney General's drug investigation unit and state police at Hazleton vice unit.Smith said Ventura indicated he knew he was speeding and that was why he was stopped. Smith radioed the county communications center with the vehicle registration and Ventura' s name. While speaking with the two, both appeared to be nervous.Smith then was told by the communications center that there were two active warrants for Ventura by the county adult probation office. Also, he was told that Ventura's license was under suspension, no reason given.In further speaking with the two, Smith was told by Ventura he was en route to Hazleton. The two were asked to exit the vehicle and both denied any drugs were in the vehicle or on their person.At this point Weatherly Police Chief Brian Markovichick and officer Brittany Stasik arrived on scene to back up Smith.During the course of the investigation, two used syringes, a plunger and Q-tip wrapped in a rubber band were found next to the passenger side of the vehicle. When asked about them, Vanger denied any knowledge of them.Officer Stasik was given permission by Vanger to search her belongings. Stasik found in Vanger's purse a black cellphone, syringes and two clear baggies with resin. Vanger then admitted concealing the items.Also found in the purse was $2,417 in cash, which Vanger said belonged to Ventura. She said his mother gave him the money to get an apartment. Smith told them he did not believe their stories and felt they were en route to Hazleton to get more drugs and that they were selling the drugs.Smith said the inspection stickers on the car were taped. A check revealed they were not valid. Police also found inside the vehicle a baggie that appeared to have resin in it, a purple Crown Royal felt bag containing a clear baggie in it with resin, and a set of brass knuckles, along with other drug paraphernalia.As a result, Smith charged Vanger with criminal conspiracy-tampering with or fabricating physical evidence, criminal conspiracy-possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of drug paraphernalia and tampering with/fabricated physical evidence.Ventura was charged with criminal conspiracy-tampering with or fabricating physical evidence, criminal conspiracy-possession of drug paraphernalia, possessing instruments of crime, prohibited offensive weapon, possession of drug paraphernalia, violations of use of certificate of inspection, driving while operating privilege is suspended or revoked, and maximum speed limits.Ventura was arrested on the outstanding warrants.