Ray Hadley 'shocked, sad' at son's drug charge

Veteran broadcaster Ray Hadley has teared-up while explaining how anger turned to sadness after his police officer son was charged with drug possession.

"I brought Daniel back home and my anger turned to shock and sadness," Ray Hadley says. (AAP)

Anger quickly turned to shock, sadness and tears as veteran broadcaster Ray Hadley processed his police officer son's drug possession charge.

The talkback radio presenter and rugby league commentator broke down in front of reporters on Saturday, admitting he felt inadequate as a father for not realising his son was struggling with his mental health.

Senior Constable Daniel Hadley was charged after allegedly possessing a small amount of cocaine at a pub in Rouse Hill in Sydney's northwest on Friday.

Radio broadcaster Ray Hadley. Source: AAP

Police say professional standards officers had been investigating reports the off-duty officer was "involved" with prohibited drugs.

His father appealed for the public to consider that the 28-year-old had been dramatically impacted by "things he's dealt with" over the past seven years.

"The most difficult part (is) all the time, his colleagues and I thought he was coping and he obviously hasn't been," the broadcaster said.

Hadley said he was angry and perplexed when told of his son's arrest.

But that soon turned to shock and sadness when his son revealed he'd been having mental health issues for some time and seeing a doctor about it.

"The serious nature of the illness is such that he's been admitted already today to a clinic to deal with it," Mr Hadley said.

"It is a very serious problem."

The broadcaster's voice quivered as he admitted he could now sympathise with parents who had believed all was well with their children when it actually wasn't.

"I feel particularly inadequate as a father and as a spokesman for (national mental health campaign) RU OK day when in fact my son is not OK," he said.

"This is going to a long, slow process for my son.

"I love him dearly and I wish to God he'd come to me before this morning and told me what he was battling."

Hadley junior was granted bail ahead of a court appearance on September 12 at Parramatta Local Court.

Police say his employment is under review and he "is not on operational duties".

Soon after the senior constable's arrest, another man was nabbed in a nearby vehicle and charged with supply and possession of a prohibited drug and goods in custody.

That man is expected to face Blacktown Local Court on September 10.