Drugs charge cricketer remanded

A former England cricketer was further remanded in custody after appearing in court charged with drugs smuggling.

Chris Lewis, of Bruce Road, Harlesden, north-west London, was held after 9lb (4kg) of the drug, valued at £200,000, was found at Gatwick Airport last week.

The 40-year-old appeared at Mid Sussex Magistrates' Court via video link from HMP Highpoint with Chad Theron Kirnon.

Mr Kirnon, 26, from Carnegie Street, Islington, north London, has pleaded not guilty to the same charge.

Mr Lewis has not yet entered a plea to the charge of importing cocaine.

Cricket coach

The pair were remanded in custody until 14 January. A committal hearing is due to take place at Croydon Crown Court on 21 January.

Mr Lewis, an all-rounder, played 32 Tests and 53 one-day internationals. He now works as a cricket coach.

Mr Kirnon, a basketball player registered with London Towers in the 2005/6 season, was arrested with Mr Lewis at the West Sussex airport but the club said they had no recollection of him playing for them.

The UK Border Agency said Class A drugs were found in baggage removed from a flight from St Lucia in the Caribbean to Gatwick on 8 December.

Fruit tins

The cocaine, which was concealed in liquid form in fruit tins, was discovered as part of routine checks on a flight that arrived at 0600 GMT.

Mr Lewis, who was born in Guyana, claimed 93 wickets during his England Test career and finished with a Test batting average of 23.

He retired from county cricket in 2000 because of a persistent hip injury after spells with Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Surrey.

He rejoined Surrey to play in 20-over matches for the 2008 season.

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