guilty to importing cannabis.

Chris Anthony Sinacola, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, arrived in Bermuda on May 9 and, as a result of certain suspicions, was questioned by Customs and narcotics officers in the Customs Hall at the Bermuda International Airport.

Sinacola was found to be in possession of two marijuana cigarettes and cigarette papers.

When asked by Customs officers if he had any more drugs, Sinacola admitted he did and said they were for his personal use.

Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner asked Sinacola if he knew it was illegal to import cannabis into the Island, to which he responded: "Yes, but I decided to take a chance.'' The court heard Sinacola imported a total of 21.04 grams and that he was celebrating his birthday with a trip to Bermuda.

He apologised to the court for his offence, but Mr. Warner told him he had "decided to flagrantly flout Bermuda's laws'', and had imported a significant amount of illegal drugs.

He told Sinacola that unless he could give a very good reason for importing the cannabis, he would have to impose an immediate custodial sentence.

Sinacola could not offer any mitigating circumstances and so Mr. Warner sentenced him to three months in prison for importing the cannabis, and fined him $500 for having drug equipment.

Mr. Warner then issued the stern warning: "Don't bring drugs into Bermuda.'' SMITH'S MOTORIST, 64, `NEARLY HIT' POLICE CAR CTS Smith's motorist, 64, `nearly hit' Police car A Smith's man was yesterday fined $500 and was disqualified from driving all vehicles for 12 months after he pleaded guilty in Magistrates' Court to driving while under the influence of alcohol.

John Henry Parris, 64, of Kilderry Road, narrowly avoided hitting a Police patrol car after failing to yield at the roundabout at the eastern end of the Causeway, the court heard yesterday.

The officers pursued and stopped Parris. They noticed his breath smelt strongly of alcohol so he was arrested.

Parris asked Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner for leniency as he was trying to keep his sick brother's business going and could not do it without transportation.

Mr. Warner said he appreciated his situation but had to disqualify him.