ONE of the accused, charged with having in their possession 278 kilogrammes of marijuana and 11 kilogrammes of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, testified yesterday that the scale found in his house by police, just over 13 years ago, was used for the weighing of bodi.

Dexter Brown, who told the court he is into farming and construction, denied there were any drugs found in the living room of his house at Brazil Road, Wallerfield, on October 6, 1999.

The trial is being heard before Justice Hayden St Clair-Douglas and a nine-member jury with four alternates in the Fifth Criminal Assizes at the Hall of Justice in Port of Spain.

Brown, 44, testified that he was standing outside the house, which is surrounded by a farm, when police swooped down and placed him and his then girlfriend, Neisha Outram, under arrest.

He said he was handcuffed and made to sit on the ground.

"While sitting, I heard an exclamation from the southern area of the property," Brown said.

"Shortly after, I saw a police officer coming from the southern side of the property with a white crocus bag in his hand. He came up to the front of the house on the western side and emptied the contents of the crocus bag."

Asked by his attorney Ravi Rajcoomar if he had ever seen the bag or its contents before that day, Brown said "No".

"There was a bit of excitement. Everybody became animated. They were asking 'all this is yours boy?' Shortly after, a couple officers came up with more crocus bags. They emptied the contents all in a heap."

In answer to Rajcoomar, Brown said he was not aware of the presence of any drugs on the farm. He said the scale was found inside in an area where there was another scale.

"While involved in farming, I used the scale for weighing produce, particularly bodi, which was weighed out in five-pound bundles for wholesale."

Brown also said the police's account of how much money was found on him and seized at the time of his arrest was incorrect. He said he had in his possession US$1,355, EC$350 and TT$260 and not US$500, EC$20 and TT$44, which was tendered into evidence by retired sergeant Neville White. He said the Trinidad and Tobago currency was returned to him.

Under cross-examination by State attorney Jennifer Martin, Brown said he did not know what became of the rest of the money.

Brown was questioned by Martin about a conviction he has for possession of a firearm and ammunition in September 1999. He said he did not have the gun in his possession and that it was found in a common area but claimed it as his and pleaded guilty.

Brown is also being represented by attorney Dr Winston Extavour, while Outram is being represented by attorneys John Heath and Imran Juman.

Appearing with Martin is attorney Sunita Ramjattan.

The trial continues on Monday.