Scranton Police Arrest Man for Drug Possession
A traffic stop leads to the discovery of crack cocaine and multiple drug charges for a local resident.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Drug Crime
Scranton police arrested Ryan R. Tully after finding 33 grams of crack cocaine during a traffic stop on North Main Avenue. Tully is currently held at Lackawanna County Prison on $100,000 bail while facing felony and misdemeanor charges.
Why it matters
The investigation highlights ongoing efforts by local law enforcement to curb narcotics distribution. Tully admitted to selling drugs from his residence and converting powder cocaine into crack, citing fear of robbery as his motivation for carrying the substances.
Ryan R. Tully faces one felony count and two misdemeanor drug charges. His bail is set at $100,000, and he remains in custody at the Lackawanna County Prison.
The players
Ryan R. Tully
The 42-year-old suspect is currently facing felony and misdemeanor drug possession and distribution charges.
Scranton Police Department
The local agency is responsible for investigating narcotics activity and performing traffic stops within city limits.
Lackawanna County Prison
This facility serves as the primary detention center for individuals awaiting trial in the region.
The details
Officers conducted a traffic stop on a Dodge pickup truck in the 500 block of North Main Avenue, where they discovered the narcotics hidden in the suspect's underwear. Further evidence recovered from the vehicle included a burned tin foil, a rolled dollar bill, and drug residue.
Timeline
October 15, 2026: Police surveilled the suspect's residence and conducted the traffic stop.
October 29, 2026: A preliminary hearing is tentatively scheduled.
Legal Context
The charges filed against the suspect are governed by Pennsylvania's Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act. These statutes define the classification of felony and misdemeanor offenses based on the weight and type of controlled substances recovered by police.
The arrest and ongoing investigation may lead to increased police presence or continued surveillance in the vicinity of the 500 block of North Main Avenue. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious narcotics activity to local authorities to support community safety.
The takeaway
This case serves as a reminder of the strict penalties associated with the possession and sale of crack cocaine in the city. Individuals should be aware that police utilize traffic stops as a primary method for investigating suspected narcotics distribution.
What happens next
A preliminary hearing is tentatively slated to take place on October 29, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on local law enforcement efforts, visit the Drug Crime section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Scranton Times-Tribune.
