squad officers tried to persuade a colleague into lying to a court.

The allegations surfaced yesterday at the start of Ellsworth Wilson's drug trial at Supreme Court.

It is alleged that some narcotics officers attempted to persuade a colleague to commit perjury or pervert the course of justice in connection with Wilson's trial.

Last night the Police said Deputy Commissioner Jean Jacques Lemay was heading a special team investigating the allegations.

Police spokesman Evelyn James Barnett said: "The Police have launched an investigation into allegations of inappropriate conduct made against a number of Police officers involved in the Ellsworth Wilson case.

"These allegations have yet to be substantiated but are deemed serious.'' She added: "A special team has been appointed under the direction of the Deputy Commissioner to determine the validity of what has been alleged.'' Seven officers are investigating Wilson's drug charges, although Mrs. James Barnett was unable to say how many are involved in the allegations. She said no officers have been suspended from duty.

Police said Commissioner Colin Coxall became aware of the allegations last Monday when he received a letter from a solicitor acting for the officer.

Mr. Coxall told the Attorney General on Tuesday and yesterday the Crown sought to adjourn Wilson's trial.

Wilson, of Mount Hill, Pembroke, denies charges of possession of diamorphine intended for supply and handling diamorphine intended for supply.

His Supreme Court trial was to begin yesterday, but Crown Counsel Khamisi Tokunbo asked Puisne Judge Norma Wade to adjourn the hearing.

He also asked for the Press to be barred from the court or have the hearing in Chambers -- but was turned down by Mrs. Justice Wade.

Mr. Tokunbo told the court that "certain matters'' had come to the Attorney General's attention.

"As a result of these matters coming to the attention of the Attorney General, he has instructed me to make an application for an adjournment in the interests of justice.

"In addition to being serious it is a matter completely out of our control which we could not have foreseen.

"We cannot proceed until the matter is looked into. The interests of justice require an adjournment. The implications are far reaching and as a result we see no option,'' Mr. Tokunbo said.

Mr. Tokunbo said a statement has been taken from the officer about the allegations and another statement is due to be taken.

Drugs trial rocked by Police perjury claims the allegations -- which would involve speaking to more than one person.

"It is more serious than that and requires more time than that. A Police Inspector has been appointed but I cannot say how long it will take because of the potential depth of the inquiry. The matter will be expediated as quickly as they can,'' he said.

Wilson's attorney, John Perry QC, said his client had been waiting for almost 15 months for his trial to be heard.

"The case has been fixed for trial and the Attorney General makes an application to have this stayed now for an indefinite period.

"What is the basis for their application? The Attorney General has not disclosed in open court, but we shall because it is a matter of fundamental importance,'' said Mr. Perry.

"What lies behind the application is an allegation by a Police officer in the narcotics department that other Police officers in the narcotics department have been inciting the Police officer to do acts which if true would constitute perjury and an attempt to pervert the course of justice.

"All the officers involved in this state of affairs are witnesses in this case,'' added Mr. Perry.

Mr. Perry argued that the officer's statement should be released to the defence team adding that the Crown was in "deep trouble'' and any adjournment in the trial should be short.

"If a stage is reached where a witness in the trial is saying that he or she is being incited to pervert the course of justice the proper course is for the Police to make an investigation.

"What I ask is whether a statement has been taken from that witness. If a statement has been given the defence wants to see it. We have not seen any such statement,'' said Mr. Perry.

He added: "The Police, given that statement, could approach the officers who it is alleged were at the heart of the alleged incitement.

"It may well be that the person will deny it, then so be it. If they admit it, that would drive a coach and horses through the prosecution's case.'' Mr. Perry told the court: "We have a criminal trial in which it is alleged that a prosecution witness has alleged that he or she has been induced to commit perjury or pervert the course of justice.

"The prosecution has found itself in deep trouble and they want time to redress the balance.'' Mrs. Justice Wade agreed to adjourn the trial until June 19, but the issue of whether the officer's statement should be handed over to the defence will be decided today.

Mr. Perry is being assisted by attorneys Tim Marshall and Kim Wilson. Mr.

Tokunbo is being assisted by Leslie Basden.

TAKING COUNSEL -- Crown Counsel Khamisi Tokunbo ponders the Ellsworth Wilson case outside the Supreme Court.