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Police: Retiree Who Portrays Santa Claus Found With Crack Pipe During Traffic Stop

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SOUTH HACKENSACK, N.J. (AP) - A retiree who volunteers as a Santa Claus is facing drug charges after police allegedly found a crack pipe in his vehicle during a New Jersey traffic stop.

South Hackensack police say 66-year-old Charles Smith, of Pompton Lakes, was arrested Monday after a traffic stop on Route 46. They say an officer saw the crack pipe next to a Santa Claus costume.

Charles Smith
(Photos Courtesy: CBS New York)

Authorities say a subsequent search of the vehicle turned up more drug paraphernalia, including empty bags of crack and heroin alongside a hypodermic needle.

Multiple phones listed for Smith have been disconnected so he can't be reached for comment. It's unknown if Smith has an attorney who could comment for him.

(Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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