SKIER PLEADS INNOCENT TO MARIJUANA SMUGGLING

SEATTLE - A former world-class skier who eluded federal agents for more
than two decades has pleaded innocent to charges of attempting to smuggle
37 tons of marijuana into Washington.

Michael Lund, 65, pleaded innocent Friday to federal felony charges of
conspiracy to distribute drugs, distribution and attempted distribution.

U.S. Magistrate Ricardo Martinez ordered Lund held by the U.S. Marshal's
Office, saying the court considered him a flight risk.

Prosecutors allege that in 1978 the renowned freestyle skier and sailor
planned to meet the ship Helena Star, loaded with 37 tons of pot, and to
shuttle the drugs ashore in his 61-foot yacht, the Joli.

The Coast Guard intercepted the Helena Star off the northern Washington
coast. Lund fled south and disappeared.