FORMER CHAMBER HEAD FACES DRUG CHARGES

MINEOLA - The former president of Oyster Bay's chamber of commerce was
one of nine people charged with participating in a marijuana
distribution network, a prosecutor said Wednesday.

Lester Huffer, 57, of Locust Valley, the former chamber of commerce
leader was charged with criminal sale of marijuana, a felony
punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

Huffer allegedly sold the marijuana from his home and a sign store he
owns in Oyster Bay.

The charges follow a 10-month investigation by the federal Drug
Enforcement Administration and Long Island police agencies. Arrest
began in September and concluded late last month, said Rick Hinshaw, a
spokesman for Nassau County District Attorney Denis Dillion.

"In the topical scenario, the client would call the store, place an
order, and then stop by and make a purchase," Dillion said in a statement.

He added that most of the marijuana Huffer allegedly sold was
low-grade quality, imported from Mexico and code named Bob "in
deference to Bob Marley," the legendary Reggae artist.

Huffer allegedly sold higher-grade hydroponic marijuana named "Phil"
that sold for between $3,200 and $3,500. Hinshaw said he was not sure
of the reason for the "Phil" moniker.

Five others were also charged with sale or possession of marijuana,
while three defendants were charged with conspiracy.

Among the others charged was John J. Donovan, 52, of Olympia, Wash.,
who was accused of using a mini-van to transport the marijuana from
California and Texas to Long Island, traveling almost 200,000 miles in
the past two years.