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

DATE: FRIDAY, October 6, 1995                   TAG: 9510060078
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: PAUL DELLINGER
DATELINE: WYTHEVILLE                                LENGTH: Short

CHARGES DROPPED AGAINST 2 MEN IN DRUG CASE

Two of the three men arrested Aug. 25 in Wythe County with marijuana concealed in their van will not be prosecuted in General District Court.

The third man, Jorge Luis B. Alvarez, 21, of Mexico will have a hearing Oct. 20.

Alvarez and two California men, Joiqenluis B. Romero, 40, and Havaier Esparza Rohaus, 53, were charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.

The two older men contend they were unaware of the 75 to 100 pounds of marijuana concealed behind wall and door panels in the van driven by Alvarez.

Deputy F.D. Carter stopped the northbound van on Interstate 81 for going too slowly and impeding traffic. Carter detected a scent of soap, sometimes used to mask drug odors, and a subsequent search of the vehicle turned up the marijuana.

by CNB