Texas police are on the lookout for a man who allegedly hid plastic eggs filled with marijuana in city parks as part of a scavenger hunt, providing clues to individuals who purchased drugs from him on the same day.
The suspect, 23-year-old Avante Nicholson, utilized Facebook to announce the Easter egg hunt-like event, according to a police statement.
The eggs were reportedly hidden on April 20 in three city parks and a local motel in Lufkin, with Nicholson promising to provide clues to those who purchased drugs from him on that day.
Authorities have issued four felony warrants for Nicholson's arrest, including three for delivering marijuana in a drug-free zone and one for the delivery of marijuana.
After receiving a tip about Nicholson's Facebook posts, police discovered eggs in Morris Frank, Winston, and Grace Dunn Richardson parks, as well as behind a Motel 6.
Nicholson allegedly posted pictures of the eggs inside a vehicle and shared hints on locating them. Police recovered four eggs initially, with a fifth egg found by a man and his granddaughter at Winston Park the following day.
Police traced the Facebook page posting the clues to Nicholson and noted references to narcotics sales, indicating that customers who bought drugs from him on the scavenger hunt day would receive egg-finding hints.
The eggs were found to contain over a quarter of an ounce of marijuana.
"Incidents like this underscore the importance of taking all information seriously," stated Lufkin Police Chief David Thomas. "Community safety is our top priority, especially when children are at risk."
Authorities urge anyone with information on Nicholson's whereabouts to contact CrimeStoppers at (936) 639-8477 or visit www.639tips.com.
Saleen Martin, a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team, hails from Norfolk, Virginia. Contact her at sdmartin@usatoday.com.