ALLEGED SMUGGLER STILL IN CUSTODY

12-Year-Old Will Be Tried May 1

New York --- A May 1 trial awaits a former Norcross boy accused of
smuggling 2 pounds of heroin in his stomach from Nigeria to New York.

Queens County Judge Fran Lubow ruled Tuesday that enough evidence exists to
try 12-year-old Prince Nnaedozie Umegbolu. She rejected pleas to release
the boy to his mother's care while awaiting trial because, "in all
likelihood, he would commit more delinquent acts" and perhaps flee.

The boy's mother, Alissa Walden of Norcross, gave him a reassuring smile
when she saw him in the courtroom.

She shook her head in a silent objection to the judge's decision to keep
him in custody.

Two officers who spoke to the boy when he was arrested April 11 testified
at Tuesday's hearing.

William Preyer, an officer stationed at LaGuardia Airport, testified the
boy said he had swallowed 87 items, passed them and was bleeding. "He was
crying," Preyer said.

Detective Bruce Viania said Prince said he believed he was carrying cocaine.

The boy handed over a blue tube sock filled with oval-shaped pellets,
Viania said.

The boy's attorney, Rosemary Vassallo of the Legal Aid Society of New York,
argued for his release.

Prince's "behavior in the juvenile facility has been exceptional. He has
been respectful. He has been reading National Geographic magazines," she said.