DRUG CHARGES THROWN OUT AGAINST PLANT EMPLOYEE

FAIRFIELD - A former worker at Alza pharmaceutical manufacturing plant in
Vacaville accused of trying to steal some of the world's most potent pain
medication had a felony drug charge against him thrown out Monday.

Judge William C. Harrison dropped the drug possession charge, claiming
there was no evidence Jimmy M. Kokkeby, 29, a contract employee at the
plant knew the powdered chemical fentanyl was a controlled substance.

Kokkeby, of Suisun City, still faces vandalism and attempted theft charges
for what he allegedly did at the plant on an afternoon in October 2004.

A co-worker found Kokkeby passed out in an office suffering from an
overdose of the drug that sent him into coronary arrest. A white powder was
seen under his nose and a cup with about four ounces of the painkiller was
found on a nearby desk.

Officials at Alza claim Kokkeby's contamination of a 50-gallon container of
fentanyl caused nearly $67 million in damages.

Fentanyl retails for about $268,000 an ounce, according to documents sent
from Alza staff to Solano Narcotics Enforcement officers.

Kokkeby, who is out of jail on his own recognizance, is scheduled to be
back in court Sept. 17 when a date for a jury trial may be scheduled.