Pubdate: Thu, 06 Nov 2003 Source: Ogdensburg Journal/Advance News (NY) Copyright: 2003 Johnson Newspaper Corp. Address: P.O. box 409 Ogdensburg NY 13669 Website: http://www.ogd.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/689 Author: Associated Press Note: Accepts LTEs by mail only! Must be signed w/phone# Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis) 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. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin