An American cruise ship passenger who imported cannabis to Bermuda was fined $2,000.

Michael Salvatore Testa, aged 24, of Danbury, Connecticut, pleaded guilty to the charge when he appeared at Magistrates? Court on Wednesday.

Crown Counsel Wayne Caines told the court Testa ? an electrician ? arrived on the on September 5. It had sailed to Bermuda directly from Philadelphia.

A search of the ship using a drug detection dog led officers from the Combined Sea Port Enforcement Team to discover 8.50 grams of cannabis and rolling papers in his cabin. Mr. Caines said the drug was deemed to be for Testa?s personal use.

The defendant said: ?I apologise for wasting the court?s time.?

Acting Senior Magistrate Khamisi Tokunbo said he must pay his $2,000 fine the same day or face six months in prison in default of payment.