cannabis into the Island was because he had a "very bad drug habit.'' Vincent Villanova, 34, of New York, admitted importing cannabis and possessing drug equipment, when he appeared in Magistrates' Court yesterday.

Police Prosecutor Sgt. Donald Grant told the court that on May 22 at 8.30 a.m.

Villanova cleared customs on Ordnance Island after coming off a cruise ship.

"Customs and cruise ship officers conducted a search of Villanova's cabin and found two plastic zip-lock bags in his clothing,'' Sgt. Grant said.

He added that the plastic bags contained a total of 25.4 grams of cannabis which had a street value of $1,270.

Villanova also had in his possession a home-made cigarette, which contained .62 grams of cannabis, and cigarette papers.

"When confronted by Police, Villanova said: "It's all mine. I have a very bad drug habit, it's all for my personal use.'' When asked by Senior Magistrate the Wor. Will Francis if he had anything to say, Villanova apologised for committing the offence.

"I didn't realise Bermuda had a zero tolerance,'' said Villanova. "I did not take it (the cannabis) off the ship.'' Mr. Francis said that although it was his first offence of importing cannabis into Bermuda he had to impose a $2,500 fine for importation and an additional $150 fine for possessing drug equipment.