LOWE... has continually said that he is innocent

Jamaica's prolific striker, Onandi Lowe, who was last week arrested, then released on bail on suspicion of possession of drugs in the United Kingdom, claims that he was set up, a release from the JFF stated yesterday.

"In his meeting with the president (Crenston Boxhill), Mr Lowe was adamant he was set up, and continually states his innocence and ignorance of any possible involvement with the suspicions of the police there," the JFF release said.

Lowe and a 23 year-old woman were arrested last week by Northamptonshire police on suspicion of possessing a controlled drug with intent to supply.

At the time the police did not identify the substance involved and the two were later released on bail pending further inquiries.

Lowe is set to return to the said police station on May 14.
However, Observer sources revealed that a package, containing what is believed to be cocaine, was sent to Lowe's address, but intended for the sender's girlfriend.

"The package was not shipped in his name, but was intended for the girlfriend of the sender," claimed the source, which added: "This is a favour that was asked of Lowe... that his address be used."

But the source made it very clear that "the 23 year-old woman arrested was not the girlfriend of the sender."

According to yesterday's official statement from the JFF, the Federation was made aware of Lowe's predicament last Friday afternoon through its president, Boxhill, who was in London on JFF business.

"The president met with the player on Saturday. A solicitor has since been procured, from which a proper defence will be launched for Mr Lowe.

"The Federation stands by him through this difficult period," added the release.

The release also noted that Lowe was arrested late Tuesday night, April 13, 2004, in England, approximately 10 minutes drive from his apartment in Rushden, where he now resides as a contracted player to English first division team, Coventry City.

"Onandi was initially held in connection with a package found in a car he was driving, on suspicion of possession of and intent to distribute what the police there describe as a 'Class A' substance.

"He was granted bail four hours later and told to return to the said station on May 14, 2004, as investigations continue in the matter," the release further stated.

Meanwhile, Pat Garel, Lowe's personal manager, yesterday expressed gratitude on behalf of the player and herself for the "tremendous assistance" given to Lowe by the JFF, through Boxhill.

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