A US visitor who was caught with $210,000 of cannabis in his suitcase told Customs officers he "was glad it wasn't cocaine''.

Ronald Henry Romanowicz was surprised to see the packages of cannabis and cannabis resin come out from his suitcase and made the remark during a search.

The Supreme Court heard how he was shocked to see what was in the case and told officers that he had never seen the items before.

In all seven pounds of cannabis and one pound of cannabis resin were found in plastic bags stitched inside the baggage.

Romanowicz, 31, of Salem, Virginia, denies charges of importation of cannabis and cannabis resin, possession with intent to supply cannabis and cannabis resin, and handling of cannabis and cannabis resin with intent to supply.

Crown counsel Peter Eccles told the Supreme Court that Romanowicz was stopped on November 11 last year, after arriving on a Continental flight from Newark.

A sniffer dog was alerted to the suitcase and Customs Officers stopped the defendant. They searched the case and removed three packages of drugs from the lining.

A further eight were later found in the lining.

Customs Officer Norene Douglas told the trial, before Chief Justice Austin Ward, how she noticed the packages protruding from the lining.

As she pulled the packages containing plant material from the case, she said the defendant remarked: "I am glad it is not cocaine.'' Under cross examination from defence lawyer Mark Pettingill, she agreed that Romanowicz was cooperative and at first didn't appear nervous.

He didn't behave anxiously or appear agitated, she said.

When asked what the packages were he reacted with surprise and said he didn't know. He said it was the first time he had seen them.

Later, when shown the packages he said: "I hope that is not white powder.'' Officer Douglas agreed that it was a very sincere impromptu comment.

But she agreed with Mr. Eccles when he said the defendant could have been sincerely confused or didn't know what was going on.

But one officer, Det. Sgt. Hayden Small, said Romanowicz didn't seem surprised at what was going on.

Romanowicz later told Police that a man called Dwayne Mackenzie had lent him the suitcase.

Det. Con. Wyndol Thorpe told the court that there was a Mr. Mackenzie on the Island at that time but that he left the day after the arrest.

In addition, the accused told officers that he was due to meet a man called Brian McCall on the day of his arrival at the Swizzle Inn.

Under cross examination from Mr. Pettingill, Det. Con. Thorpe admitted he had no knowledge of officers probing Romanowicz for more information about the drugs or contacts on Bermuda.

But he recalled the defendant said he wanted to help Police if he could in setting somebody else up as he had been set up.

Earlier, Mr. Pettingill questioned dog handler Sgt. Ian Coyles over previous concerns there had been over packages being intercepted as flights were unloaded.

Sgt. Coyles agreed there had been concerns and in a bid to stop any problems, Customs officers and Police are now stationed at various points when the unloading takes place.

Mr. Pettingill asked whether it would be possible for someone to intercept a suitcase, unstitch the lining and insert drugs before sewing it back up.

Sgt. Coyles replied that it would be very difficult.

The trial continues today.