An area man is being held in jail as he awaits his first court appearance on heroin distribution and possession charges.

Christopher L. Ballard, 27, of Catherine Street, Red Bank, was arrested Jan. 10 in Tinton Falls after police said he was found with a large quantity of heroin.

Ballard was in possession of 263 glassine bags of heroin and 21 clonazepam (a prescription sedative) pills, according to complaints filed with Superior Court.

He was charged with knowingly or purposely manufacturing, distributing or dispensing heroin, two counts of possession of a controlled dangerous substance, and possession with intent to distribute.

Ballard is being held on $50,000 bail, no 10 percent option. He is due to answer the charges Jan. 15.

State criminal records show Ballard previously entered a plea for a 2007 assault charge.