Two Scranton Men Arrested on Drug Charges

Pair allegedly involved in drug dealing near local convenience store

Feb. 4, 2026 at 11:07am

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Two men from Scranton, Pennsylvania, ages 56 and 60, were arrested by police on drug charges after being spotted acting suspiciously outside a Turkey Hill convenience store. One man was charged with felony drug dealing, while the other faced misdemeanor possession charges. Police found various drug paraphernalia and evidence of drug sales on the men.

Why it matters

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about drug activity and related crimes in the Scranton area, as well as the role of law enforcement in monitoring and responding to suspected drug-related offenses in local communities.

The details

According to the criminal complaint, police officers on patrol near the Turkey Hill store on Mulberry Street noticed the two men acting suspiciously outside the store entrance. When the men spotted the police vehicle, they immediately went inside the store. The men later came out, turned their backs on the officers, and crossed the street outside of the crosswalk while smoking cigarettes. When questioned by police, one man admitted to having a loaded syringe, while the other eventually revealed he had "stuff" on him, which turned out to be methamphetamine. A search of one man's bag uncovered various drug paraphernalia and evidence of cocaine dealing, including a digital scale and numerous small baggies.

  • On January 30, 2026, the incident occurred around 4 p.m. near the Turkey Hill convenience store.
  • The two men's preliminary hearings are scheduled for February 10 and February 12, 2026.

The players

John Mark Adkins

A 60-year-old Scranton man who was charged with felony drug dealing offenses, including using a cellphone to facilitate a drug deal and possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance.

James Arnold McClain

A 56-year-old Scranton man who was charged with misdemeanor drug possession and paraphernalia offenses.

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What they’re saying

“Cop sitting at Mulberry, right across from Turkey Hill.”

— John Mark Adkins (thetimes-tribune.com)

“about a month ago.”

— John Mark Adkins (thetimes-tribune.com)

What’s next

The judge will decide on bail amounts for the two men at their upcoming preliminary hearings on February 10 and February 12.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in addressing drug-related crimes in local communities, as well as the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between police and residents to combat the spread of illegal narcotics.