took the witness stand in Supreme Court Three yesterday.

David Allen James Dumont, 27, had pleaded not guilty to importing cannabis and possession with intent to supply on April 14, 1998.

Customs officers at Number Seven Dock found a package from San Francisco addressed to All Lock and Key, Dumont's business in Warwick.

Inside was an air compressor with a stainless steel tube inside which was stuffed with 5,628 grammes of cannabis.

Dumont, of Easting Lane, Spring Hill, Warwick, admitted ordering the compressor which he said was needed for drilling safes at work.

Dumont admitted lying in statements to Police after his arrest. He said he had done this after Police told him that Harvey Williams, the man alleged to have sent the package, was known to be involved in the drugs trade.

Dumont had told Police that the compressor had been sent by another man, but he then admitted that he had never met that person and could not be sure that he even existed.

He later admitted this in Police statements.

Dumont yesterday told the court: "I lied because I was shocked. I had no idea he was involved in drugs.'' The trial continues today.