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

DATE: WEDNESDAY, June 28, 1995                   TAG: 9506280026
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: PAUL DELLINGER
DATELINE: WYTHEVILLE                                LENGTH: Short

JOINT EFFORT HELPS NAB 20 ON DRUG-RELATED CHARGES

More than 20 people are facing drug-related charges following a two-year undercover investigation.

It dates back to 1993, when the Wytheville Police Department and state police quietly joined in a program to curb the sale of crack cocaine and other illegal drugs in the area.

The Police Department secured funding from the Department of Criminal Justice Services under a Drug Enforcement Assistance grant, allowing a full-time anti-drug effort, with individuals involved in the drug trade the main target.

Joined by the Wythe County Sheriff's Office, the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and the Galax Police Department, the task force has started arresting people indicted Monday by a special grand jury.

Weapons, drugs and vehicles also have been seized from those arrested.

by CNB