On Thursday January 15, 2026, a Bates County Sheriff's Office K9 Unit conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle at the intersection of Business Loop 49 and F Highway in Passaic. The driver was identified as Brian A. Clapp of Butler, MO. The passenger was identified as April S. Aldean of Butler, MO. Clapp is known by law enforcement as a user of methamphetamine.
While on the
stop, a Deputy deployed K9 Griff for a free air sniff of the vehicle. K9 Griff
immediately indicated the presence of the odor of narcotics, specifically near
the driver's side rear fenderwell area.
As Mr. Clapp
was stepping out of the vehicle, the Deputy observed a crystal substance,
believed to be methamphetamine, scattered across the driver’s seat. During a
probable cause search of the trunk, guided by the K9 indication, a Deputy
located a gallon-sized bag of a crystal substance concealed within the internal
fender.
While the
search was ongoing, a second Deputy deployed a handheld X-ray machine to check
the vehicle's remaining fenders for structural anomalies. The X-ray located
what appeared to be a second bag of methamphetamine concealed within the
passenger side rear fender. Deputies then removed the inner lining of the trunk
to access the inner fender and recover the second bag. The total weight of both bags total 2.2 lbs
or often known as a kilo of Methamphetamines.
Both Clapp
and Aldean were arrested and charged with Trafficking Drugs in the 2nd Degree.
Clapp’s bond was set at $1,000,000 cash or surety, and Aldean’s bond was set at
$100,000 cash or surety. Both remain in the custody of the Bates County
Sheriff’s Office.
