Health Minister Nelson Bascome and his wife Shirlene were last night living every parent's nightmare after learning that their son was arrested for being in possession of marijuana when he returned to the Island.

The couple took the unusual step of making an emotional statement at their home in Friswell's Hill, Pembroke, following Nelson Junior's arrest on Wednesday.

An obviously moved Mr. Bascome, who is a qualified drug addiction counsellor, said they were trying to come to terms with what had happened, and could not understand why their son had put himself in that situation.

"Yesterday, while returning home from university for his Christmas break, my 23-year-old son was detained by the Police and found to have marijuana in his possession," said Mr. Bascome.

"This distressing event has had an enormous impact on our family. We have always taught our son that life is about choices, and those choices determine how your life is lived."

Mr. Bascome said he had spent a tremendous amount of time working with many individuals and families whose lives had been impacted by drugs.

"Most often, families ask themselves 'where did we go wrong', and try to lay blame - individuals must be responsible for their actions," he added.

"We recognise that drugs touch every life in our community, but it is harder when it hits this close to home."

Nelson Bascome III is in his final year at Howard University in Washington DC, where he is studying architecture, and is a keen sportsman.

He arrived back on the Island at about midday on Wednesday, and was detained soon after he arrived in the terminal building at Bermuda International Airport.

Minister Bascome said he had gone to the airport to collect his son, and was shocked when he found out what had transpired.

His son was taken to Hamilton Police Station for questioning and detained overnight, and was still with his lawyer Victoria Pearman and Police yesterday afternoon when his parents decided to open their home to the media.

Minister Bascome said he had spoken to his son briefly, but now the family were praying that everything would work out for the best.

He said he did not know when his son would be released, but said they were hoping to have him home for Christmas.

"Our family awaits the court's outcome and will support our son through it," said Mr. Bascome.

"This is the time when the unconditional love of parents is most important."

He said that both he, his wife, and daughter Shirnea, were repeatedly asking themselves 'why'.

"This is not a child who wanted for anything," said Mr. Bascome.

"We have always provided, but again, it's one of those situations where we try to understand it, but until we have a conversation with him... (we don't know why)."

Mr. Bascome said he believed his son was doing alright, but said he was obviously under the same strains as the rest of the family.

"He's fine. It's a brand new experience for him - he's feeling the challenge," said the Minister

And Mrs. Bascome said although the family was finding it difficult, they would pull together and put their faith in God.

She said she had told her son all of his life that he had to make good choices, or learn to live with the consequences.

She added: "It's difficult to see him in this situation, but I'm a God fearing-woman and I believe prayer works."

Mr. Bascome urged other people to take heed from their situation and think twice before using or handling illegal drugs.

He added: "The jurisdiction of Bermuda is very strict about drugs, and no one should be tempted," he said.

And finally, he thanked family and friends for their words of support and love, but asked the public and the media to respect the family's privacy at this time.

Police have not released any details of the incident at this time.