The fifth day of Jamal Hart?s Supreme Court trial for importing $500,000 worth of cannabis was adjourned on Friday because both defence counsel were sick.

On Thursday, lawyer Victoria Pearman was unable to attend the trial because she was unwell.

Her junior counsel, Charles Richardson, took over and cross-examined witnesses.

However, yesterday, Mr. Richardson was also unable to attend the trial due to an illness.

Hart, 38, of Farm Lane, Hamilton Parish, is accused of importing 24 pounds worth of cannabis on or about July 13, 2003.

It is alleged he asked SeaBridge International Shipping, based in New Jersey, to ship the freezer on the next available container.

He asked a customer service representative to put the freezer care of the HWP Group, where he was a senior manager at the time, for a Roger Smith.

Once the freezer arrived on the Island it was discovered to contain nine ?bricks? of cannabis that weighed over 10,000 grams.

Earlier in the trial, Roger Smith denied any knowledge of the freezer and said he barely knew Hart.

Hart denies the charges.

The trial is expected to continue today.