Retiree who portrays Santa Claus faces drug charges
![c9135578-crack-smoking-santa_1510056824984-402970.jpg](https://images.foxtv.com/static.my9nj.com/www.my9nj.com/content/uploads/2019/09/764/432/crack-smoking-santa_1510056824984_4479513_ver1.0_640_360.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
SOUTH HACKENSACK, N.J. (AP) - A retiree who volunteers as a Santa Claus is facing drug charges alleging police 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.
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.