jury in a $42,000 cocaine importation case.

But Det. Con. Kimberley Vickers denied trying to hide information from the Supreme Court trial.

Det. Con. Vickers was under cross examination yesterday at the trial of 19-year-old Bermudian Robin Young and American Jacqueline Martells.

Young, of Boundary Terrace, is charged with importation of a controlled drug, conspiracy to import, possession and handling. Martells, from Brooklyn, New York, is charged with conspiracy.

Two bags containing the cocaine were found in the bottom of Young's carry-on bag when she flew from New York on Sunday, February 9.

Det. Con. Vickers was the police officer in charge of the investigation and "information received'' led her to link Martells, who had arrived on the same flight as Young, with the case.

Det. Con. Vickers told the court that she had carried out an extensive investigation into the offences.

However, Mr. Archie Warner, defending Young, asked about certain statements made by his client after the cocaine had been discovered.

Mr. Warner asked: "In her statements did Robin Young maintain her innocence?'' Det. Const. Vickers replied: "Robin Young maintained her innocence.'' She said that when asked about the white powder in her bag, Young said she knew nothing about it.

Mr. Warner also asked about Young's stay at the New York apartment of a man she only knew as Tony. She claims she was buying clothing for her aunt. Det.

Con. Vickers said: "She talked about staying at Tony's place and hardly going anywhere.

"She went on to say that Tony had given her time on the Sunday morning and that one of his lady friends had taken her shopping. She had bought clothing and shoes.'' Mr. Warner asked: "So it's true that Robin did at least imply to you that she had left her bag in Tony's apartment when she went shopping?'' Det. Con. Vickers confirmed the statement.

Defending Martells, Mr. Khamisi Tokunbo continued to press the Police officer, as to why she had omitted conversations that took place after Martells' arrest at a guest house.

Crown Counsel Mr. Brian Calhoun said the evidence had been available to the defence.

Mr. Tokunbo said a statement given by his client appeared to be disjointed and suggested that Det. Con. Vickers had prompted her with questions. She denied this.

Mr. Tokunbo said that the information, without referring to other conversations that she had with Martells, was an attempt to mislead everyone including, eventually, the court.

Det. Con. Vickers said: "I have nothing to hide. I am not trying to mislead the court.'' The case in front of Puisne Judge the Hon. Mrs. Justice Wade will continue on Monday.