Pubdate: Thu, 16 Jun 2005
Source: Royal Gazette, The (Bermuda)
Copyright: 2005 The Royal Gazette Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.theroyalgazette.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2103
Author: Ruth O'Kelly-Lynch
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)

MAN FINED $2,000 FOR CANNABIS OFFENCE

A Pennsylvania man had to pay $2,000 into Government coffers by the
end of business day on Friday after he was fined for having more than
14 grams of cannabis on his arrival at the Airport this week.

When John Lewis Stevens arrived, a drug-sniffing Police dog found
three home-made cigarettes in an eyeglass case. Police also found a
Fedex bill showing he had sent a package to himself where he was
staying here. The package -- found to have a bag of cannabis and a bag
of white powder -- was intercepted.

The Government Analyst found the powder was not a controlled
substance. In all, Stevens had 14.53 grams of cannabis.

Stevens pleaded guilty and told Magistrate Khamisi Tokunbo: "I throw myself
at the mercy of the courts."

When Mr. Tokunbo told him he must pay before he leaves the Island, or
spend three more months on the Island, a clerk pointed out that Mr.
Tokunbo did not explain where Stevens would have to stay if he failed
to pay. Laughing, Mr. Tokunbo said: "We would put you up in one of our
hotels where we lock all the doors."

Stevens -- who was also laughing, along with the assembled Police,
prison officers and gallery -- assured the court he would pay the
fine. When contacted later, a Magistrates' Court official confirmed
the fine had been paid at 4.30 p.m.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin