for the offence.

Sinclair Samuels and Quinton King are being tried for importation, possession and handling with intent to supply, in Supreme Court.

The cannabis was found in Samuels' bag when he was searched by Customs at the Civil Air Terminal in July. King was on the same flight.

Samuels claims King placed the drug and clothes in his bag. He said he imported the drugs unknowingly. He says the first time he saw the 206 grams of cannabis was when he was confronted in Customs.

King says he witnessed a deal where Samuels was given drugs and refused to be any part of the deal, although he admits giving his friend clothes to make his bag "fuller,'' in case it was searched.

Samuels, 25, of Cedar Park, Devonshire, and King, 26, of Border Lane, Devonshire, are friends of eight years. They were visiting New York to pick up computer equipment for King's boss, stopping at a relative's of Samuels in New Jersey.

Samuels said that his friend had given him a small amount of marijuana after visiting New York, a couple of days into the trip, which they smoked. He said he did not know where King had bought the drug.

He said that, on the way home, he had left King alone with his bag at Baltimore Airport while he made a phone call. He claims that King put clothes and drugs into his bag.

Samuels said: "As far as I know that was the only way that the cannabis got into my bag. He was the only person with me.'' Under cross examination from Crown Counsel Mr. Diarmuid Doorly and King's lawyer, Mr. Tim Marshall, he was asked if he thought his bag was heavier with jeans, a coat and pants belonging to King, and the drugs. He said he did not notice.

Mr. Marshall said: "Are you asking this jury to believe that Mr. King would make you an unwitting importer, but leave his calling card, his clothes, so that you could turn him over to the Police?'' Samuels said: "It is pretty stupid if I thought about it myself but I have never thought of such a thing.'' He explained why, after being stopped and searched at the airport, he tried to escape. He said: "I live in Bermuda, I read the newspaper and I know what happens to people. I panicked. I was not in control. Of course I was angry. I had mixed emotions.'' Mr. Doorly said: "You were short of money and you saw the opportunity to bring back cannabis from New York without having to pay for it.'' Samuels denied this.

King said that Samuels knew before the trip that he had a number in New York where they could buy a "bag of weed.'' He said that Samuels had told the dealer to phone his relative's home and arranged to meet them at a bus terminal in New York.

King said the meeting took place and they were taken to an apartment where a man asked them to take a package of cannabis to Bermuda. King said he refused but Samuels agreed.

He said: "My immediate response was to say no. I was away on business and in my business we have many clients in high positions. I can ill afford to have myself and the company's name tarnished in any way. Sinclair's response was to say yes.'' King said he tried unsuccessfully to dissuade his friend from importing the drugs.

The case, in front of Puisne Judge the Hon. Justice Ward, is expected to finish today.