Man Arrested After Deputies Discover Drugs Hidden Under Children’s Easter Baskets

A routine traffic stop turned into a big drug bust for one Oklahoma County sheriff's deputy. Authorities said six young children were also inside of the van at the time of the seizure.  News 9's Brittany Toolis has the story.

Wednesday, April 7th 2021, 3:00 pm



A routine traffic stop turned into a big drug bust for one Oklahoma County sheriff's deputy. Authorities said six young children were also inside of the van at the time of the seizure.  

On Easter Sunday the deputy pulled over a rented Chrysler Voyager for a traffic violation near Northwest 10th Street and Interstate 44 Northbound.

The deputy thought Easter goodies and baskets filled the car's trunk, but when he got a closer look, he uncovered multiple pounds of meth.

It quickly went from a routine traffic stop, with a family of eight, to the deputy searching the car.

"[He] became suspicious of their travel plans when their stories were not consistent," said Oklahoma County Sheriff Tommie Johnson III.

At first glance, the trunk looked like the back of any family car on a holiday road trip. Under the holiday treats, the deputy found three pounds of meth. The deputy also found over 26 grams of marijuana, and in one of the kid's diaper bags he found Ecstasy.

Authorities said the children inside of the vehicle ranged in age between 7 months and 11 years old.

"The driver admitted he was paid $1,500 to transport the drugs," said Johnson.

The driver, Gerry Hadley, is from Arkansas. Records show he has multiple drug related felony convictions in the state. 

Hadley is now facing nine charges out of Oklahoma County. 

Johnson said he's proud of his deputy's investigative work.

"Because of his training and experience, three pounds of dangerous methamphetamine is off the streets," he said.

Johnson said the woman in the car with Hadley appeared to be visibly distraught and didn't seem to know about the drugs. She and the six children were let go.

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