Police officers denied striking a deal with a man accused of importing cannabis to let him escape prosecution if he helped with their inquires, a Supreme Court jury heard yesterday.

Andrew Fox, 30, is accused of conspiracy to import, possession of and importation of 5,600 grammes of cannabis with a street value of up to $281,000 in January last year.

Two Police officers denied claims made by Fox's lawyer Mark Pettingill, that they had agreed his client would not be prosecuted if he helped Police.

Fox, of Vaucrosson's Crescent, Pembroke, made a statement to Police admitting he knew the drugs were arriving at the airport and had made arrangements for them to be held by cargo handlers. Victor Arthur Bean, 38, of Aerial View Road, Devonshire, one of three men who admitted earlier this week to their involvement in the case, testified that Fox offered him money or drugs to unload a package.

Bean, a cargo handler at the Airport, said Fox told him a box within a box at the airport contained the drugs.

He said Fox, a truck driver, said he would give him money or split the drugs with him if he unloaded the package.

Bean, who was given a two year prison sentence suspended for two years and a $5,000 fine, said he unloaded the package.

Mr. Pettingill put it to Det. Cons. Damon Hollis and Det. Cons. Timothy Hayward, who interviewed Fox, that they struck a deal with him, but both denied this.

DC Hayward said Fox was asked to come to the narcotics department office at Prospect, but said the accused did not ask why he had been called.

He said DC Hollis arrested him. DC Hayward then accompanied Fox in his truck as he delivered it to his house before going to Hamilton Police Station, but still never asked what was happening.

Mr. Pettingill said: "I put it to you that during the ride in the truck there was some conversation about the case.'' DC Hayward replied: "Absolutely not.'' "I would suggest that there was some conversation about the case and Mr. Fox inquired of you `What's going on?'.'' "No.'' "I put it to you that you replied: `I just need your help and you will be allright'.'' "No.'' Mr. Pettingill continued: "He's arrested at the station, you get in the truck with him, and it's your evidence that he never mentions the case?'' DC Hayward replied: "Yes.'' At the station, Fox was asked if he wanted a lawyer, and he said: "No, what do I need one for?'' Mr. Pettingill asked DC Hayward what the defendant meant. The officer replied it was a statement. Mr. Pettingill said: "He said, in other words I don't need one because you guys have told me I'm not going to be prosecuted.'' DC Hayward: "No.'' The trial continues on Monday.