55 PEOPLE SOUGHT ON DRUG CHARGES

Marijuana And Cocaine Charges Constituted 61 Of The 69 Felonies And
Misdemeanors.

The Henry County Sheriff's office and Virginia State Police announced
charges against 55 people Monday for drug-related offenses, the result
of a 16-month joint drug investigation.

Sixty-nine criminal charges were filed against 53 adults and two
juveniles from February 2004 to May 2005, according to the Henry
County Sheriff's office.

Of the 49 felony criminal charges and 20 misdemeanor criminal charges,
all but one of them occurred in Henry County. One incident was
reported in Martinsville.

Marijuana and cocaine charges constituted 61 of the 69 felonies and
misdemeanors.

Authorities purchased or seized crack cocaine ranging from a quarter
of a gram to half an ounce valued between $20 and $400.

Marijuana was seized or purchased in one-half ounce to 4-ounce
quantities valued between $40 and $200 during the investigation, the
sheriff's office said.

In addition to marijuana and cocaine, state police and the sheriff's
office charged people with felony counts of possession of firearms,
possession of prescription drugs without a prescription, and
embezzlement of prescription drugs, money and property.

Fifty-two people were indicted, and 15 were issued criminal warrants.
Two petitions were filed against the juveniles who are now adults.

The sheriff's office said Martinsville City Police will assist them in
apprehending people charged during the drug investigation.