The Virginian-Pilot
                             THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Saturday, April 22, 1995               TAG: 9504220294
SECTION: LOCAL                    PAGE: B3   EDITION: FINAL 
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT 
DATELINE: NEWPORT NEWS                       LENGTH: Short :   30 lines

GIRL ARRESTED AT AIRPORT ON DRUG CHARGES

A 17-year-old girl was arrested Thursday night at Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport when she claimed luggage that contained 50 pounds of marijuana valued at $100,000, police said.

The girl was charged with possession and transportation of marijuana. Each charge carries a penalty of five to 40 years in prison and up to $500,000 in fines.

The luggage was identified as containing drugs at the airport in Charlotte when an airport X-ray machine revealed unusually packaged contents. When a drug-detection dog reacted to the luggage, Newport News officials were notified that the luggage was en route to Newport News. A drug K-9 unit from the York County Sheriff's Department confirmed that the luggage contained drugs. The girl flew to Newport News from Los Angeles on another flight. The luggage was at the airport, and the girl was arrested when she went to claim it.

KEYWORDS: DRUG ARREST by CNB