A Devonshire man suspected of cannabis possession jumped overboard in an effort to avoid Police.

Marvin Hendrickson, of No. 3 Tribe Road, pleaded guilty in Magistrates' Court yesterday to obstructing an officer and possession of cannabis.

Crown counsel Nicole Clarke said Police received complaints of public drinking and "rowdy" behaviour at Devonshire Dock on May 1.

Officers went to the North Shore site around 7.15 p.m. and smelled cannabis.

While questioning some of the individuals present, Police say they noticed Hendrickson "fiddling" with something in his pocket and acting "suspicious".

The officers informed the 30-year-old he was going to be searched under the misuse of drugs act.

"I have already been searched," he claimed.

Hendrickson tried to back away from the officers but they grabbed him and once again informed him he would be searched. He managed to break free and jumped over a wall into the ocean.

As he resurfaced, Police noticed "several plastic twists containing plant material" floated up with him.

Hendrickson collected the floating materials and swam away but was arrested as he attempted to make his way to shore.

Asked if he understood why he was being arrested he replied, "yes boss".

Hendrickson was fined $1,000 by Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner.