cannabis in 130 plastic-covered pellets in an effort to smuggle the drugs into the Island.

Dennis Howard DeSilva told the court his love of herb tea made him risk his life.

The 28-year-old mason from Hamilton Parish pleaded guilty to importing just under 10 ounces of the drug.

Acting on information received, Customs Officers at the Airport searched DeSilva as he passed through on March 19 at about 11.30 p.m.

They found traces of cannabis in his carry-on bag and detained him for a further search.

Prosecutor Sgt. Earl Kirby said DeSilva agreed to a stomach X-ray and was taken to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital. The X-ray uncovered small packages of cannabis in his stomach.

DeSilva later excreted 90 pellets of cannabis covered in a latex-like material, followed by a further 40 pellets.

He told officers he bought the cannabis in Jamaica and that it was for his own use.

When asked if he had anything to say before sentencing, DeSilva said, "I brought it in because I drink it. I make herb tea. It weren't for no sale.'' Senior Magistrate the Wor. Will Francis heard DeSilva had a virtually clear criminal record.

He said he would give him the benefit of the doubt that he did not intend to supply the drug. However, he said that he had committed a serious offence and a custodial sentence was necessary.

Mr. Francis sentenced him to nine months in prison.