Old School Police Work and Technology Lead to Major Drug Trafficking Arrests

On 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 in a natural void 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.

Task Force Information

Midwest Missouri Career Criminal & Drug Taskforce (MMCCDTF): A cooperative effort between the Sheriff’s Offices of Bates, Barton, Cedar, Dade, Henry, St. Clair, and Vernon Counties, dedicated to combating career criminals and drug activity across west-central Missouri.