Ephrata man arrested after Clay Township traffic stop; suspected heroin found

On June 20, 2026, at about 12:39 p.m., Northern Lancaster County Regional Police stopped a vehicle in the 1900 block of W. Main Street in Clay Township for an obstructed registration plate. The driver, 52-year-old Ephrata resident Howard James Mercer, consented to a search of the vehicle during which officers located suspected heroin and drug paraphernalia. Mercer was charged with possession of a controlled substance (misdemeanor) and possession of drug paraphernalia and the charges were filed before MDJ Landis.