Forty-eight year-old Nigel Ferris of Dasent Cottage was arrested for marijuana at Bequia last Saturday, April 24, as he attempted to enter the island with 229 grammes of marijuana.
Ferris appeared before the Serious Offences Court on Monday and pleaded guilty to the charge.
The court heard that at about 1.00 p.m. Ferris came off the Bequia Express ferry, carrying a back pack. Police on duty at the wharf accosted him and conducted a search on his person and the back pack. During the search, a black plastic bag containing the controlled substance, was found in the back pack.{{more}}
When questioned, Ferris said he did not intend to sell the drug, but had it for medicinal purpose. He said he suffered from asthma and he usually boiled it to drink.
“The law does not permit that,” Chief Magistrate Simone Churaman told Ferris.
Ferris was fined $550. He was ordered to pay $150 forthwith and the balance by May 3, this year.
Before the court was adjourned, Ferris paid the $150.