Pubdate: Fri, 02 Apr 1999 Source: United Press International Copyright: 1999 United Press International Note: Headline by MAP editor EVIDENCE USED TO PROSECUTE THE CASES WAS ILLEGALLY OBTAINED CONCORD, New Hampshire - The drug possession and trafficking convictions of 20 people were thrown out today after authorities revealed evidence used to prosecute the cases was illegally obtained. State Attorney General Philip McLaughlin and New Hampshire U.S. Attorney Paul Gagnon said a Rockingham County Deputy Sheriff working undercover at air freight terminals searched packages for drugs without a search warrant. The deputy, who is now under investigation and on paid administrative leave, discovered large quantities of marijuana in the packages. The illegally-obtained evidence was used to convict four people in state courts and 16 others in federal court last year. Today McLaughlin and Gagnon said motions were filed in federal and state courts to vacate the convictions. The U.S. Attorney's Office has referred the entire matter to the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division. - --- MAP posted-by: Derek Rea