DRUG SUSPECTS SURRENDER

An Oakdale couple surrendered at Stanislaus County jail in Modesto
Wednesday to face drug charges.

Neil Alan Carande, 37, was charged with transporting, importing, furnishing
and possession of marijuana, said Sgt. Doug Leo of the Stanislaus Drug
Enforcement Agency.

Heidi Ann Carande, 34, was booked on a charge of possession of marijuana
for sale.

Drug agents served a search warrant June 10 at the Carandes' home on
Oakhurst Drive, Leo said.

They found 4 pounds of marijuana, which Leo valued at about $5,000 per
pound. They also found scales, along with packaging and shipping materials,
Leo said. The marijuana was found in a hall closet.

"When we went down the hallway, the odor was pretty strong," Leo said. "We
didn't need the drug dog."

The tip that led to the Carandes came from an Oakdale businesses that mails
packages, Leo said.

The SDEA had offered training courses to such businesses to teach employees
how to spot people trying to ship drugs through the mail. Although the
employee who tipped the SDEA to the Carandes didn't take the course, Leo
said, he had spoken to some people who had and knew what to look for.

Checked-by: (Joel W. Johnson)