Published: March 13, 2009 11:24 pm      

Suspected dealer charged

Police said they took a drug dealer off the streets and seized more than $1,000 worth of suspected heroin and other drugs during a traffic stop in Southmont Borough.

West Hills Regional police Sgt. George Musulin III and Officer James Stutzman stopped a black 2001 Jeep Cherokee at Stillray and Logan streets on Tuesday. According to the complaint they filed, a woman had told police the vehicle’s owner, Michael Scott Santichen, was a cocaine user with a suspended driver’s license.

The complaint said that when police stopped the car and shined a light inside, they saw Santichen try to discard a pill bottle by dropping it into the center console. He was taken into custody without incident.

Police seized heroin with an estimated street value of $1,100.

They also confiscated marijuana and numerous oxycodone and Ritalin pills.

The heroin was cut in 46 small bags ready for sale, Musulin said.

“Any person who has that amount on him separately packaged can be construed as a dealer,” he said.

Santichen was charged with drug possession and intent to deliver, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving without a license.

He was arraigned by District Judge Mary Ann Zanghi of Vinco and sent to the Cambria County Prison, where he is being held on a probation violation.