Armed officers were again out in force as they ringed Supreme Court for the monthly arraignment session yesterday.

Andre Kirk Everett Hypolite 33, faces trial on November 2 after earlier pleaded not guilty to killing Nicholas Anthony Dill in Warwick on December 26, 2004. He has also denied unlawfully wounding Stacy Ann Pike with intent to do her grievous bodily harm at the same place and time.

Drugs loomed large among the new cases with five men charged with conspiring to import cannabis with an estimated street value of $40 million ? reportedly the largest stash of cannabis in the Island?s history, with a total weight of a ton.

Four of the five defendants are from Sandys while one is from Jamaica.

Tristan Le-Van Codington, 29, of Prince Albert Terrace, George Leonard Lambert 52, of Scar Lane, Ricardo Michael Tucker, 30, of Prince Albert Terrace, Gladwyn Sherwin Simmons, 53, of White Hill Lane, and Anthony Stanley Martin, 41, of Manchester, Jamaica, all denied conspiring to import and importing cannabis between a date unknown and March 8, 2004.

Lambert, who is represented by Elizabeth Christopher, also denied five other charges.

They were possession of a controlled drug and possession with intent to supply on March 13, 2004 and possession of drug equipment on March 13 and 27, 2004 as well as possession of a controlled drug on March 27, 2004.

The five will reappear for mention in July.

Priscilla Delores Williams, 60, of Bulkhead Drive, Warwick, denied importing and possessing cannabis with intent to supply in St. George?s on January 5. She will re-appear for mention in July.

Canadian Jamie Arden Doncaster, 27, pleaded guilty to importing cocaine on February 11 this year and will reappear for sentencing on Friday. He pleaded not guilty to possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply ? the charge will remain on file.

Darren Anglin, 19, of Alexandra Road, Devonshire, was not required to enter a plea after being charged with robbing a woman?s handbag on February 12. He will reappear next month after his lawyer Craig Attridge asked for time while his client?s ability to plea was assessed.

John Arthur Cook, 22, of Tranquillity Lane, Sandys pleaded not guilty to wounding on February 19 this year and will reappear at the July session.

Jahdal Nashon Denbrook, 23, of Bourne Drive, St. George?s pleaded not guilty to causing grievous bodily harm on February 19 this year and will re-appear for mention in July.

Yesterday?s lengthy arraignment session also set trial dates.

Michael Troy Berkeley, 43, of no fixed abode, will face trial on October 24. He has already pleaded not guilty to importing heroin and cannabis on May 10, 2004 and possessing the drugs with intent to supply.

Coltrane Orneth Ratteray, 37, of Spice Hill, Warwick will reappear for mention in July after pleading not guilty to burglary on December 6 last year.