him red-handed in a drug transaction, The Royal Gazette can reveal.

Meanwhile his alleged accomplice, cruise ship employee Brian Mervin Williams, is serving a 14 month jail term after having pleaded guilty to drug importation that month.

The local man was reportedly observed on September 1 receiving a "controlled sample'' from Williams who just two days later pleaded guilty to importation of the $40,000 worth of cannabis.

His identity has not been made public and he was not arrested at the time.

Searches for the man for almost three months now have not been successful and officers have had to deal with a backlog of cases and new incidents, further complicating the search.

A Police spokesperson said of the ongoing investigation into the alleged importer: "We are aware of who the individual is and we are contemplating further action in the very near future.'' Williams was jailed for 14 months on September 3 by Magistrate Archibald Warner who told him that drug importation is "treated very seriously'' in Bermuda.

Manhunt under way Williams, 33, was so distraught that when he was asked simple questions put to him by the magistrate, twice he answered he only wanted to see his children -- including when he was asked how he pleaded to the charge.

Williams admitted he tried to enter Bermuda at Number One Shed around 1.10 p.m. on September 1 while carrying 808 grams of cannabis.

Mr. Warner heard that Williams, a Nordic Empress bar waiter was whisked away to Hamilton Police Station where he later agreed to make contact with his Bermudian connection and make the exchange.

Williams was caught because a "brick'' of cannabis dropped out of his pants at the Customs and Immigration desk. He was searched and three more bricks were found.

Crown counsel Lesley Basden said Williams contacted the connection via payphone and was driven by a plain clothes Policeman to a Friswell's Hill, Pembroke home where a man gave him $3,000.

Narcotics officers and the Government Analyst had made packages similar to the ones Williams had, and had included a small amount of cannabis in the packages.

Williams sobbed throughout the hearing and on at least two occasions had to be advised by a Police officer on the procedures he was facing.

Mr. Warner, patiently explained his right to a jury trial in the Supreme Court or a summary trial before a magistrate.

When Williams again said he did not understand the difference, Mr. Warner said: "You get two types of trial. Up in the Supreme Court or right here, right now, before me.'' Williams elected for Mr. Warner to hear his case and pleaded guilty to importation but denied two charges of possessing cannabis with intent to supply and handling cannabis with intent to supply.

If sold on the streets in half gram dosages at $25 apiece, the 808 grams of marijuana would net $40,400.

When sentencing Williams, Mr. Warner said: "The defendant pleaded guilty, he has shown remorse and has saved these courts time.

"In this case it is clear there has been a substantial cooperation to the extent that someone else was arrested,'' Mr. Warner added, incorrectly assuming the local person was in custody.

He called the investigation "fruitful and meaningful'', adding: "He did all that he was asked. He is entitled to a substantial discount. He could not have done more.'' And when the magistrate asked Williams if he had anything to say about the offence, he again answered "I just want to see my kids''.

After an officer spoke quietly to him, Williams then answered, through tears and his handcuffed hands: "I'm sorry, sir. I'm sorry.'' Mr. Warner ordered that any money siezed in connection with the case be forfeited.

Before ordering Williams to Westgate, Mr. Warner told him: "Drugs in Bermuda is treated very seriously. But this court has taken into consideration all the factors in your case.

"Even so, the sentence is 14 months from today, September 3rd.,'' he added.

COURTS CTS