A man reported to be in possession of 20 passports was remanded in custody yesterday for allegedly importing $182,000 worth of drugs.

Senior Magistrate Will Francis made the decision to keep Jaha Akilly Mallory locked up after Police prosecutor Sgt. Phil Taylor "strenuously objected'' to his being released on bail.

"There is a severe risk of flight here,'' Sgt. Taylor said, "because the defendant does have strong ties to Jamaica and has applied for and obtained a total of 20 passports over the last 30 or so years, from the Bermudian Government and from the British Consulate in Jamaica.'' Mallory, 46, of Elliott Street, was detained at the airport on Saturday as he attempted to enter the Island with 1.2 kilograms of cocaine and 139.9 grams of cannabis resin.

He was charged with importation of both drugs with intent to supply, but was not required to enter a plea as the matter is indictable and will be heard in the Supreme Court.

But defence attorney Richard Horseman noted that it is "typical'' for defendants in these matters to be granted bail.

"There are cases far more serious than this one in which the defendant has been released,'' he said, "and, despite what my friend (Sgt. Taylor) has said, my client says his only passport was confiscated by the Police.

"The document my friend is referring to dates back to 1965 and, while my client does admit to applying for passports that were lost or damaged over the years, I don't think it's indicative that he will abscond.'' Mr. Horseman said he felt this matter was one that could be dealt with by "stringent conditions''.

"My client is willing to report to the Police station every day if necessary,'' he added, "and I think he has a right to bail.'' Mr. Francis's decided to, "in the interests of justice'', remand Mallory in custody for two weeks, when he will hear the prosecution and defence counsels again.

Jaha Akilly Mallory: Remanded in custody.