An American tourist was fined $1,500 yesterday in Magistrates' Court for importing drugs into the Island.

Christopher Bierman of Clearwater, Florida, pleaded guilty to importing 4.95 grams of cannabis into the Island last Friday.

Crown counsel Maria Sofianos told the court that Bierman, who arrived on a Delta flight from Atlanta appeared nervous in the arrivals hall and was searched by a Customs officer.

A search and scan of the 40-year-old's luggage revealed that it contained drug residue. Bierman was asked if he had any drugs on him and he handed over a clear plastic bag containing plantlike material.

He said: "I smoke pot. It's for my personal use." He was arrested shortly after.

Bierman told the court he had boarded a flight in Tampa, Florida only a few hours after his birthday celebration.

At the party, a friend had given him the drugs, but Bierman he claimed to have forgotten about them.

"I'm asking for leniency in the fine. I have $600 or $700. That's all I have," he said.

Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner explained to Bierman even in the circumstances, he had to be consistent and give him a fine.

The defendant was given a $1,500 fine to be paid before he leaves the Island today.