cocaine worth up to $200,000 into Bermuda from New York, The Royal Gazette learned yesterday.

The Smith's Parish man is co-owner of Black Family Productions and the former manager of Hamilton's Spinning Wheel nightclub.

A New York jury convicted him of conspiring to import at least eight kilograms of cocaine from Curacao in the Dutch Antilles to Bermuda, via America.

He was also convicted of attempting to import cocaine into the United States.

Simons, who is in his 40s, had denied the allegations.

German-born co-defendant Andres Geson, who has relatives in the Dutch Antilles, was found guilty of conspiracy. He was cleared of the second charge.

The jury had to return unanimous verdicts for the pair to be convicted.

After this month's seven-day trial, Simons' bail was continued, while Geson was detained pending sentencing.

They are expected to be sentenced in October.

Yesterday, Assistant US Attorney for New York's eastern district, Frank McClain-Sewer, who prosecuted, said the pair could receive ten years imprisonment to life.

Mr. McClain-Sewer said Simons was arrested in a room at the Doubletree Hotel, Manhattan, in May last year by the US Drug Enforcement Agency.

Geson, represented by Robert Wolf, was extradited from Curacao.

Simons was held in custody in New York, but later released on bond -- bail without a cash security -- on condition he restricted his movements to the city and the three surrounding states.

A judge allowed Simons to visit Bermuda before his trial to see his family and attend to his business affairs.

Mr. McClain-Sewer told The Royal Gazette the trial heard Simons was ensnared by drugs officers after discussing a deal with a Government informant.

"The informant was really acting as a broker in a drugs deal.'' He said Simons handed the informant $6,000 to defray the cost of drug couriers going to the US and Curacao, back to America, and down to Bermuda.

Mr. McClain-Sewer said Simons had also been "in communication'' with a woman -- an alleged drugs ring-leader, who had not been arrested or charged.

"He spoke to her about how much more the couriers should be paid and by whom.'' Mr. McClain-Sewer said Simons had further talks with the Government informant after the bid to smuggle cocaine into Bermuda fell through.

"Among other things, Simons asked the informant whether there was any of his money left. The informant said there was not.'' Mr. McClain-Sewer said Simons suggested to the informant they should engage in a further drug deal.

The Royal Gazette understands Bermuda Police helped the DEA with the investigation, but Mr. McClain-Sewer did not confirm this.

BERMUDIAN BDA