Alleged drug smugglers used 16 golf clubs to import more than a pound of cocaine valued at $138,000, a Supreme Court jury heard yesterday.

It was the start of the drug trial of Richard Ricardo Steede, 39, of 12 Kitty Lane, Hamilton Parish and Lang Onley, 40, of 12 Harvest Lane, Hamilton Parish.

Both men have been charged with conspiring to import cocaine, handling cocaine, and possession with intent to supply cocaine.

Crown counsel Peter Eccles, in his opening address, told the court the drugs were brought into Bermuda by courier service.

Mr. Eccles said between March 28 and 31, 1998 the clubs arrived by Fed-Ex courier services at the airport. The golf clubs were examined by X-ray and Custom officials found the check to be inconclusive. He alleged the cocaine-laced clubs were shipped to the Mid-Ocean Club to Onley for them to be picked up.

Mr. Eccles said the clubs were then placed in a tool shed at 12 Kitty Lane, Hamilton Parish. He said when narcotics officers converged on the scene where the drugs were held, they saw Steede running away from the garage and he was seen taking a lift with Onley.

Mr. Eccles said the Police conducted a search of Steede's home and found a tracking number of Fed-Ex for the cocaine-laced golf clubs.

He said in addition to the cocaine, 13 grams of cannabis were stuffed in the shafts of the golf clubs.

First witness for the Crown was Det. Con. Eric Malcolm Woods, a Police photographer who received training in the US and UK.

The officer told the court he was present and took photographs when a white powdery substance was removed from the shafts. Det. Con. Woods said he was acting under the supervision of Det. Sgt. Dennis Gordon when he took the photographs.

He said he took photographs of the tool shed and its contents on May 29 at 7 a.m. with the assistance of a flash as the inside of the shed was pretty dark.

When asked by defence lawyer Richard Hector if Police were already at 12 Kitty Lane when he arrived, Det. Con. Woods said he could not recall.

The next witness for the Crown was Senior Customs Officer Martin White who said he was on duty on March 28 in the courier area of the airport. Mr. White said this was the first time in his 23 years as a Customs officer he experienced golf clubs being used to import cocaine.

Mr. White said he discussed the method of importation with a colleague at work on March 28. He said he went to the ramp and collected a black golf travel bag and took it to the X-ray room before telephoning Customs officer Wanda Francis to assist.

Mr. White said the X-ray test was inconclusive and the golf clubs were kept for a more thorough inspection. Then the bag was placed in the care of Ms Francis.

Mr. Hector, in cross-examination, asked Mr. White if he had any information of golf clubs used for bringing in drugs.

Mr. White said he had received some information concerning golf clubs. Mr.

Hector then asked Mr. White if he did anything about the information received.

Mr. White said he checked to see if any golf clubs were arriving on March 28.

Co-defence lawyer Mark Pettingill asked Mr. White whether the golf bag pictured in a Police album of exhibits was the bag he seized. Mr. White responded: "It resembles the bag. I can't say.'' Mr. Eccles, during re-examination, asked Mr. White if the Police usually inform him of their inquiries when he was relying on information received.

"No,'' Mr. White answered.

The case continues today before Puisne Judge Mrs. Norma Wade-Miller. Mr.

Hector and Mr. Pettingill together are defending Steede and Onley.