cocaine tomorrow -- 17 years after first being arrested and charged with the crime.

The 43-year-old Italian was originally arrested on the Island in March, 1981 and charged with possession and importing cocaine. But 12 days later, while on remand at Westgate, he made a daring bid for freedom, escaping from his captors during a trip to a dental practice.

But last month Roncari, who lived in New York after his escape, was finally extradited back to Bermuda following his arrest by US Police.

And yesterday he pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to supply when he appeared before Chief Justice Austin Ward. Crown counsel Brian Calhoun asked that a second charge of importation be kept on the record.

Roncari was remanded in custody until tomorrow when he will be sentenced.

Guiseppe Roncari