Dexter man arrested on drug, gun charges

A Dexter man has been arrested on felony charges of possession of methamphetamine, unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful use of a weapon.

Dustin Hadley was arrested during a traffic stop Tuesday near the intersection of State Highway H and State Highway U near Bernie, said Stoddard County Sheriff Carl Hefner.

During a search of the vehicle Hadley was driving, a loaded pistol was located, Hefner said. Hadley was discovered to be a convicted felon and is not allowed to possess a firearm.

A further search was conducted, allegedly revealing a small plastic bag containing a crystal-like substance, which deputies said later field-tested positive for methamphetamine.

Hadley was placed under arrest and transported to Stoddard County jail where he is currently housed with no bond.