couple accused of possessing and handling $1.5 million worth of cocaine.

Barbara Roberts, 59, and her 71-year-old husband William Roberts, are jointly charged with possessing cocaine valued at $1.5 million intended for supply.

They are also alleged to have knowingly handled the drug that was intended for supply and with possession of 36 plastic bags, kitchen scales and a knife, in connection with the illegal substance.

The couple, of West Side Road, Sandys Parish, are each represented by counsel.

Defence lawyer Richard Hector appears for William Roberts while his wife has secured the services of Mark Pettingill.

Senior Crown counsel Brian Calhoun appears for the crown with Phillip Storr.

Puisne Judge Norma Wade-Miller presides.

BUTCHER FINED $700 CTS Butcher fined $700 Supermarket butcher Wilton Woolridge was yesterday fined $700 after being found carrying 5.6 grams of cannabis.

The 24-year-old was arrested by plain-clothes Police during a raid at his apartment near John Smith's Bay Park in Smith's Parish on July 24.

Officers from the Police major incident room were called to the apartment on Ramgoat Hill after receiving complaints of youths acting suspiciously.

Woolridge told Police he had bought the cannabis for $100 and pleaded guilty at Magistrates' Court yesterday.

Woolridge, who works for the MarketPlace chain, had already served six months in jail for possession of drugs with intent to supply.

Turning to the defendant, Senior Magistrate Will Francis said: "It looks as though drugs have caused you to have a bit of a hard time with the police and courts.

"You haven't made any successful efforts in getting this behind you yet.'' POLICE HOLD OPEN DAY POL Police hold open day Officers at Hamilton Police Station are hosting an open day as part of Police Week today.

Visitors will be invited to test out a breathalyser and there will be photo displays and exhibits.

Members of the public and schools are urged to attend the event, which runs between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

POST OFFICE CLOSED GVT Post office closed Perot Post Office on Queen Street will be closed to the public later this week so that the premises can be fumigated.

The office will be closed from Thursday, October 23 and will not re-open until next Monday, October 27.

AID FOR MONTSERRAT GVT FNR Aid for Montserrat Two local organisations have launched a joint mission to help Jamaica and Montserrat.

On November 29 the Medjugorje Peace Plan Group (MPPG) and the Bermuda Red Cross will load two containers of aid.

One will be for the poor in Jamaica -- in association with the Food For The Poor Organisation there -- and the other will be for those devastated by an erupting volcano in Montserrat.

MPPG spokeswoman Lucy Willitts said: "We would like to send non-perishable and nutritious food items such as canned tuna, corned beef, vegetables, etcetera.

"So we are asking all supermarkets who would like to participate to call us on 292-6185 as soon as possible and we will provide a sign to put above a drop-off bin in their shops.'' Mrs. Willitts said clothing, diapers and blankets would also be useful and could be taken to the relief warehouse near the main gate on the former US Air Station between 10 a.m. and 2.30 p.m. on November 1.

St. Patrick's Church Hall in Smith's Parish will be used as an alternate drop off site between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. on November 25, 26 and 27.

BIKE THEFT ARRESTS CRM Bike theft arrests Police arrested two boys aged 11 and 14 on suspicion of stealing a moped on Sunday night. Officers stopped the youngsters on Middle Road, Southampton at 6 p.m.