A former postman was remanded in custody yesterday after he pleaded guilty to importing cannabis exactly two years ago.

Jason Edward Morris Smith changed his plea after half a day of testimony in a Magistrates' Court trial on Monday.

Smith, faced three counts of importation of 1,296 grammes of cannabis, possession with intent to supply and possession of drug equipment on December 16, 1998.

The drugs are understood to be worth $64,800 if sold on the streets.

Once a Southampton district postman, he is understood to have been dismissed soon after charges were laid.

The guilty pleas came after much legal wrangling yesterday morning between Principal Crown counsel Dorien Taylor and Smith's lawyer, Mark Pettingill.

Since Smith, 30, of Southampton, was originally charged, there have been seven adjournments of the case.

Each time at least three Customs officers and several more narcotics officers have assembled at the lower courts, prepared to give evidence.

Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner heard that Smith arrived back in Bermuda on a Continental Airlines flight from Newark, New Jersey on December 15.

Mr. Taylor said Smith made a report to airline and airport staff that his baggage had not arrived with him.

The following day he came to claim his luggage which had arrived earlier in the afternoon.

"The Customs Officer asked the usual questions about the luggage,'' Mr.

Taylor said. "Things like did you pack your bag and such. Mr. Smith unlocked the bags and the officer searched them and quickly noted a strong plant odour in them.'' After emptying a bag the officer found one to be "still somewhat heavy and discovered a false bottom''.

Six packages were found in one bag and five packages were found in another bag.

While Smith claimed the bags at the Airport, he would deny they were his under questioning by narcotics officers.

But he recanted once presented with fingerprint evidence from the plastic wrapping around each of the eleven packages.

Mr. Warner remanded Smith in custody saying: "It is my view after having heard both consul and some discussion in chambers and I have heard full submissions here on Mr. Pettingill's application.

"You heard my comments on bail and in all the circumstances I do not think it appropriate to grant bail,'' Mr. Warner continued.

He granted an adjournment so that Mr. Pettingill can prepare submissions for mitigation pending sentencing on January 5.