A man who admitted importing $1.7 million of drugs was remanded in custody yesterday on charges he broke his probation conditions by taking heroin and cannabis the day after he walked free from court.

Anthony Quinton Beach, 40, was given two years probation on September 9 for importing heroin, cocaine and ecstasy.

At his sentencing earlier this month, Supreme Court heard that United States Drugs Enforcement Administration (DEA) officers had intercepted the haul in a sting operation and only let a small amount enter Bermuda.

The court heard that due to changes in the Island's drugs laws, Beach could not be sentenced to importing the entire amount.

In Magistrate Court yesterday, Beach was charged with failing to comply with the conditions of his probation by taking heroin and cannabis in Pembroke on September 10.

Beach, of Aerial View Road, Devonshire, was charged with two further counts of taking illegal drugs, heroin and cannabis.

Beach was reportedly found unconscious in Spanish Point following a drug overdose on September 10.

He faces up to two years in jail for failing to comply with his probation conditions, but using illegal drugs carries a sentence of up to life in prison.

Crown counsel Vinette Graham-Allen called yesterday called for Beach to be remanded in custody until his case is heard at Supreme Court, but this was opposed unsuccessfully by lawyer Larry Mussenden.

Remanding Beach in custody until October 2, Magistrate Carlisle Greaves said: "The fact that he can overdose a day after to be hospitalised gives me sufficient worry that he should be protected from himself."

He ordered that Beach be put on a motivational treatment programme to prepare him for the Harbour Lights project.