importation charges, a Magistrate said this week.

Acting Senior Magistrate Edward King made the call -- which would see those covicted facing higher sentences -- during the Magistrates' Court appearance of an American entertainer caught with less than a gram of cocaine.

Kimberly Miller, of Jamaica, New York, pleaded guilty on Monday to possessing cocaine and drug equipment -- cut straws and a dollar bill -- on November 21 in St. George's.

Prosecutor Sgt. Phil Taylor said Ms Miller -- described as an entertainer -- arrived in Bermuda on an evening flight from New York and was searched by Customs officials.

A condom containing two pellets of cocaine was discovered inside Ms Miller's private parts. The pellets weighed 0.38 grams and 0.16 grams.

Lawyer Richard Hector said the 34-year-old woman was sorry for her actions. He also pointed out that she only had "a very small quantity '' on her for her personal use.

But Mr. King suggested those who bring any quantity of drugs into Bermuda should face importation charges.

And he referred to a Court of Appeal case which suggested that the Attorney General consider not sending drugs cases to Magistrates' Court, unless they were for simple possession.

Mr. King fined Ms Miller $300 fine for possessing the cocaine and $150 for the drug equipment.