trial of a Hamilton Parish couple charged with possessing and handling over $32,000 worth of cocaine with intent to supply.

Verna Lee Walker 34, and Barry Stanley Wellman 38, of Kitty's Drive, both deny the charges that Police allege occurred between December 27 and 29, 1992.

Det. Con. Brian Howard told the court yesterday he went to the apartment Wellman and Walker shared on December 28, with several other officers armed with a search warrant. Around 3.45 a.m. Wellman met them at the door and let them in.

Det. Con. Howard said he conducted a "systematic search'' of the living room, bathroom, kitchenette and second bedroom while other officers searched the master bedroom. In the living room he found a black pouch near the couch, containing $5,500 in large bills.

After his search of those rooms, he went out to search Walker's car. Wellman's lawyer Mr. Richard Hector questioned Det. Con. Howard's motives.

"When you asked if he had transportation, you had only spent two to three minutes in the apartment. I am going to suggest to you that you and your officers did not search the other bedroom at all. Your main purpose was to get to the car outside.'' Det. Con. Howard denied this assertion. He said the car was searched because it was just the next step in the process.

The drugs were allegedly found under the front passenger seat of the Mitsubishi Colt owned by Walker.

Her lawyer, Mr. Archie Warner, asked why she was not brought to the scene when the search of her car was started.

Det. Con. Howard said she was not brought down because she was in the master bedroom while it was being searched by other officers.

He was unable to say why Wellman was taken to the car when Police knew the car did not belong to him.

Wellman admitted he was the last person to drive the car, having used it on the previous evening (December 27).

The Supreme court trial continues today before Puisne Judge the Hon. Mrs.

Justice Wade.