DA: No special treatment for country star's band

The North Carolina Division of Alcohol Law Enforcement cited six Willie Nelson band members on Jan. 28 for possession of moonshine and a misdemeanor amount of marijuana after an agent walking near the band's bus smelled marijuana.

Posted 6:44 p.m. Apr 9, 2010 — Updated 9:55 p.m. Apr 9, 2010

KENANSVILLE, N.C. — Authorities in Duplin County said Friday they are waiting on lab results on suspected drugs seized from the tour bus of members of country music singer Willie Nelson's band in order to proceed with the case against the men.

The North Carolina Division of Alcohol Law Enforcement cited six band members before the performer's Jan. 28 show in Kenansville for possession of moonshine and a misdemeanor amount of marijuana.

An agent walking near the band's bus smelled marijuana and was given permission by band members to search it.

Nelson, 76, who has been a longtime advocate for legalizing marijuana, canceled the show after the citation, saying he couldn’t play because of pain from surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome.

Responding to criticism of preferential and prejudicial treatment, District Attorney Dewey Hudson said that the case is being handled as any other case would be.

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