down on drug dealers and users arrested in areas frequented by youngsters.

Under the law, which came into effect last year, people arrested in an Increased Penalty Zone (IPZ) -- designated as 300 metres around a school, nursery or other centre where young people gather -- are subject to the additional penalty of a $1,000 fine.

Allan W. Daniels, a 21-year-old man from Brooklyn Lane, Pembroke, pleaded guilty to possessing .99 grams of cocaine.

Crown counsel Lesley Basden said Police spotted Daniels around 9.05 on July 8, 1998 at Wreck View Hill in Devonshire Parish.

Officers noted that Daniels appeared nervous. When they searched him, they discovered three rocks of crack cocaine in a brown paper twist in his pocket.

When Police asked Daniels what the rocks were, he responded: "They're 50's.'' But Daniels defended himself in court, stating: "The officers don't have the facts right...the twist wasn't mine, I found it on the wall -- I don't indulge in that type of activity.'' But Senior Magistrate Will Francis fined Daniels $500 for the cocaine and $1,000 for being in an IPZ near Prospect Primary.

In a separate incident, 41-year-old Dereck R. Dill pleaded guilty before the charges were put to him.

The Woodlands Road, Pembroke Parish resident was charged with possessing .53 grams of crack cocaine.

Ms Basden said Police saw Dill involved in a transaction around 1.55 a.m. on Angle Street, Pembroke.

When officers searched him, they found a plastic twist in his pocket containing the drug.

Mr. Francis fined him $600 for the drug and $1,000 for being in an IPZ near Little Lambs Nursery.

And Bervin A. Hill, a 21-year-old man from Palm Valley, Southampton, pleaded guilty to possessing 2.91 grams of cannabis.

Ms Basden said Police were patrolling Court Street around 4 a.m. on July 12, 1998. Police stopped Hill's car on Angle Street and searched him.

Officers discovered a plastic twist containing the drug in a helmet in the back seat of the car and arrested him.

Mr. Francis fined him $300 for the drugs and $1,000 for being arrested in an IPZ near Angle Street Youth Centre.