Local News in Brief : 2 More Postal Workers Arrested in Drug Case

Two more Van Nuys Post Office employees were arrested Friday on suspicion of selling cocaine on the job after an investigation that used hidden recording devices and a postal employee posing as a drug buyer, authorities said.

Nine of the 10 arrested so far were arraigned before a U. S. magistrate Friday on federal charges of distributing a controlled substance. They were released on a $5,000 appearance bond, Assistant U.S. Atty. Janet Hudson said.

Another suspect was being sought Friday as a result of what authorities described as a five-month investigation.

The drug transactions each involved less than a gram of cocaine in powder and “rock” form, authorities said.

Nine of the 11 suspects are still employed at the post office, Postal Inspector Jim Griffin said.

Van Nuys Division Postmaster William G. Jackson will decide whether to grant paid leaves for the nine or take disciplinary action, which could mean suspension or firing, postal spokesman John F. Conte said. Jackson is expected to decide next week, Conte said.

A March 20 preliminary hearing was set for the nine arraigned Friday.