2 WOMEN FACE WYTHE DRUG COUNTS

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, February 1, 1992                   TAG: 9202010211
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: A-6   EDITION: STATE 
SOURCE: Southwest bureau
DATELINE: WYTHEVILLE                                LENGTH: Short
2 WOMEN FACE WYTHE DRUG COUNTS
Two Beckley, W.Va., women have been arrested in Wythe County on cocaine distribution charges, and 70 grams of the substance were seized by authorities.
Shelia Martin and Carmalita Grant both are charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Grant also is charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
They were being held Friday in the Wythe County jail, Grant on $15,000 bond and Martin on $10,000, following their arrests at midnight Thursday in a parking lot at Exit 20 on Interstate 81-77.
The arrests resulted from an investigation by Wythe County officers and state police working with authorities in Beckley, W.Va.
Wythe County Sheriff Wayne Pike said the 70 grams of crack cocaine is the largest amount ever seized in the county. Due to its potency, addictive power and processing method, he said, it is equivalent to several pounds of regular cocaine powder.
A small amount of cash also was seized. Pike has asked West Virginia authorities to freeze bank accounts involved in the operation. He said the investigation is continuing and more arrests and seizures are possible.
Also involved in the arrests was Virginia's COMMAND group, made up of state police, corrections, alcoholic beverage control and game officers. Pike said the group's drug dog was used.

by Bhavesh Jinadra by CNB