TWO AIR MARSHALS ACCUSED OF DRUG SMUGGLING

HOUSTON - Two U.S. air marshals face federal drug charges accusing
them of using their positions to smuggle narcotics through airport
security and onto planes for transport, federal prosecutors said.

Shawn Ray Nguyen, 38, and Burlie L. Sholar III, 32, both of Houston,
were arrested Thursday after an informant delivered 33 pounds of
cocaine and $15,000 in "up front money" to Nguyen's Houston home,
authorities said.

"We expect and demand that our law enforcement officials will
themselves abide by the laws that they are sworn to uphold," said
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Don DeGabrielle.

According to a criminal complaint, authorities began investigating
Nguyen in November after receiving a tip that he was involved in
selling drugs.

Authorities said Nguyen recruited Sholar and the two planned to
smuggle 33 pounds of cocaine aboard a plane bound for Las Vegas in
exchange for $67,500.

Both men face 10 years to life in prison and a $4 million fine if
convicted.

The exact number of air marshals is classified but thousands were
rushed into service after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.