ex-Police officer accept delivery of a package containing more than $42,000 in cannabis.

The testimony by Det. Sgt. Stevie Lightbourne occurred on the second day of the trial of 32-year-old Michael Martino Richardson, of Northlands Lane, Pembroke.

Richardson allegedly picked up the Federal Express package at Cheriton Lane on July 6, 1992, and signed for it using the name Richard Zuill. The drugs were hidden inside a video cassette recorder.

Det. Sgt. Lightbourne told the court he used to walk the beat with Richardson when they were constables a few years ago.

On Monday, the court heard how Gavin Kennedy, a Federal Express worker, found the drugs in the VCR after two unsuccessful attempts to deliver it.

Police were contacted and replaced the drugs with lawn grass. Richardson, the next day, called Federal Express to have it delivered to Cheriton Lane.

Det. Sgt. Lightbourne yesterday told the court he sat in the back of the Federal Express van driven by Kennedy. He said he saw Richardson through the van's back window.

"I recognised him as Michael (Tricks) Richardson,'' Lightbourne said.

"Kennedy asked him if he was Zuill. I can only say I heard a voice which sounded like Richardson's say he was Zuill.

"Richardson asked Kennedy if he had a package for him and paid the $52.50 duty and signed for it. I saw the defendant ride off with the package. As he turned I was able to see his licence plate number.'' The trial continues this morning.