In what could easily be mistaken for a bizarre prank, a Lufkin, Texas, man allegedly transformed a beloved family tradition into something far more sinister. Instead of candy or toys, plastic Easter eggs hidden in local parks were reportedly filled with marijuana, turning a children’s holiday activity into an illegal drug scavenger hunt. The unsettling discovery sent shockwaves through the community and left authorities scrambling to track down the suspect before more of the tainted eggs were found.
The incident unfolded when police received reports of suspicious social media posts hinting at hidden narcotics in public spaces. Investigators soon uncovered four plastic Easter eggs containing more than a quarter ounce of marijuana in various city parks. But the case took another twist when a fifth egg—previously thought to be missing—was turned in by an unsuspecting grandfather and his young granddaughter. The man, unaware of the contents, had picked it up during what he believed was an innocent Easter activity. Realizing something was amiss, he promptly reported it to authorities.
Police quickly traced the scheme back to 25-year-old Avant Nicholuson after reviewing his Facebook activity. His posts, which allegedly referenced narcotics sales and contained cryptic clues about the hidden eggs, provided investigators with enough evidence to identify him as the prime suspect. While Nicholuson remains at large, law enforcement has assured the public that they are actively pursuing leads to bring him into custody.
The brazen nature of the stunt has drawn sharp criticism from local officials, who condemned the exploitation of a family-friendly holiday for illegal activity. Parents expressed outrage over the potential danger posed to children, emphasizing how easily a young child could have stumbled upon the drugs. Community leaders have since called for increased vigilance during public events, urging residents to report any suspicious behavior.
This incident is not the first time Easter egg hunts have been manipulated for illicit purposes, but the sheer audacity of using social media to broadcast the locations of hidden drugs marks a troubling escalation. Law enforcement agencies in other states have reported similar cases in recent years, where drug dealers used creative methods to distribute narcotics, though few have involved such a widely recognized children’s event.
As the search for Nicholuson continues, authorities are reminding the public to remain cautious during community gatherings. The Lufkin Police Department has also encouraged anyone with additional information to come forward, stressing that cooperation from residents is crucial in preventing similar incidents in the future.
For now, the unsettling episode serves as a stark reminder of how even the most innocent traditions can be twisted for criminal purposes—and why vigilance is more important than ever.