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KENANSVILLE (AP) — Six members of guitarist and singer Willie Nelson's band still face drug and alcohol charges, a North Carolina prosecutor said at a news conference Friday.

Duplin County district attorney Dewey Hudson said substances seized from the band's bus in January are being tested at the state's crime lab in Raleigh.

Nelson was not on the bus when police searched it after officers said they smelled marijuana.

Hudson has been criticized by some, including a state senator, for pursuing the case, but he said he has to show that famous people are not above the law.

Hudson, who is running for state Senate, said if he were a lawmaker, he would consider decriminalizing marijuana.

"A lot of experts believe alcohol does much more damage to individuals and society, and it is legal," he said. "I can see it both ways and understand the arguments."

The six members of Nelson's band were charged with possession of either marijuana or untaxed liquor before a concert that Nelson canceled because his hand hurt too badly to play. They are scheduled to be in court April 21.

Nelson's publicist has declined to comment on the case.

Current state Sen. Charlie Albertson, D-Duplin, is not seeking re-election. He recorded a country song called "Leave the Man Alone" that criticizes Alcohol Law Enforcement agents and the charges against band members.