marijuana was sent to prison for six years yesterday.

Dirk Bernard Lasalle Foot, 30, of Southampton, pleaded guilty in Supreme Court to importing cannabis into Bermuda.

The drugs had a street value of about $203,000, Acting Senior Crown Counsel Mr. Brian Calhoun told the court.

Last November, Foot travelled to the United States and arranged to have the 8.9 pounds of cannabis concealed in 21 cans of paint and shipped to Bermuda, Mr. Calhoun said.

Police arrested Foot when he picked up the shipment on December 6, he said. He was later freed on bail.

Foot, born in Trinidad, was unemployed at the time. He had previously been convicted of possession of cannabis intended for supply in 1981.

In sentencing Foot, Puisne Judge the Hon. Mr. Justice Ward said the fact he pleaded guilty, cooperated with Police, and was not importing a harder drug helped to lighten his sentence.

Lawyer Mr. Timothy Marshall said Foot was remorseful and "provided Police with a great deal of information on exactly how this was done (and) who participated.

"His assistance did go beyond this case in terms of information provided.'' Mr. Marshall said Foot had a good attitude and had been preparing for prison, even calling officials there to find out "what he's entitled to bring and what educational opportunities are available for him.

"He is going to be the type of inmate who will use his time wisely.''