with much of the day taken up by legal arguments and adjournments.

The former Federal Express courier has pleaded not guilty to importing $291,000 worth of cannabis on February 15 last year, possessing it with intent to supply and handling it with intent to supply.

The drug was found inside two Smith Corona word processors which arrived at the Civil Air Terminal from New York.

Randolph Anthony Davis, who has been mentioned in previous testimony and is currently incarcerated at Casemates Prison, said on the witness stand yesterday he only knew Simmons "a little bit''.

Under questioning from Crown counsel Mr. Diarmuid Doorly, he admitted visiting the accused's residence with another man, Troy Williams, around the time the offence took place.

The jury heard Davis say the reason for the visit was because Williams wanted to see his godchild.

"To my knowledge, we didn't talk about drugs or anything,'' he said.

When Mr. Doorly asked him why he said that, Davis replied: "That's why we're up here isn't it?'' Davis also testified Simmons called him twice around mid-February looking for Williams, but he could not recall what else was said during their conversations.

One of the investigating officers, Det. Con. Ronald H. Greene, took the stand when the proceedings resumed late in the afternoon.

He said on February 15, 1992, Customs personnel at the Civil Air Terminal showed him and other officers two boxed word processors which had arrived that day.

Both machines contained three parcels wrapped in grey duct tape.

The packages were probed and plant material found inside them Det. Con. Greene said.

He and Det. Con. Suzette Tucker set up surveillance of the freight shed at the Airport after "dummy'' packets containing shredded paper and crab grass were placed in the word processors along with one of the original bundles.

Det. Con. Greene said he observed Simmons placing the two word processor boxes in the Federal Express van he was driving around 4 p.m.

Along with other officers, Det. Con. Greene and Det. Con. Tucker followed the Spicewood Drive, Warwick, resident to various locations in the central parishes where he delivered packages.

After his arrest outside a private residence on the Middle Road in Warwick, the officers proceeded to the Hamilton Police Station.

Det. Con. Greene said Det. Insp. George Jackson cautioned Simmons in the station's courtyard and told him they were "making inquiries''.

While they were still in the courtyard, Det. Insp. Jackson noticed there was only one word processor box in the back of the van and asked Simmons where the other one was.

According to Det. Con. Greene, Simmons said he gave it to a man named "Randy'' who lived along Parsons Road.

When asked what the man's last name was, the 29-year-old said: "I don't know him, but you got him on possession.'' Det. Insp. Jackson also inquired where the remaining machine was supposed to be delivered to.

Simmons pointed out a Scott's Hill, Sandys Parish, address taped to the box, and pulled a bill of entry and commercial invoice for a "N. Burgess'' from between the front seats of the van.

The trial continues today before Puisne Judge the Hon. Mrs. Justice Wade.