A man who imported drugs worth $60,850 from America was caught after Police tracked the consignment in a package also containing toys, the Supreme Court heard yesterday.

Police found Kenneth Wade, of Anchorage Road, St. George's, holding a package that contained samples of cannabis when they executed a search warrant at his home.

Father-of-three Wade, 34, later admitted importing the drug. A total of 1,217 grams were discovered -- with a street value of $60,850.

Crown Counsel Peter Eccles said routine Customs screening of an air package addressed to Wade found a toy set, but also a number of bags which were later identified as containing cannabis.

In a joint operation between Police, Customs officials and the Post Office, the parcel -- which had been sent from New Jersey -- was re-sealed and sent to St. George's Post Office.

Later, Wade picked up the package and was driven back to his home.

When Police entered the home, Wade, who was standing by the bedroom door, dropped the package onto a shelf.

A subsequent search of the property revealed scales, a teapot and a pot bearing visible plant debris, Mr. Eccles said.

Wade admitted importing a controlled drug between August 30, 1996 and October 15, 1996.

Wade and his brother Gregory Wade, 30, of Bourne Drive, St. George's, also pleaded not guilty to possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply and not guilty to handling a controlled drug with intended for supply.

In addition, Kenneth Wade pleaded not guilty to possession of drug equipment.

The prosecution offered no evidence on all the charges and they were allowed to lie on the file.

Elizabeth Christopher, for Wade, said his family was in crisis because of his conduct.

She asked that the court look behind the circumstances affecting Wade and noted he had pleaded guilty. Chief Justice Austin Ward adjourned sentence until May 1 for social inquiry reports.