A Hamilton Parish man was fined a total of $2,500 for drug possession when he appeared in Magistrates’ Court.

Dwight McGowen, 38, of West Crawl Hill, admitted possessing cannabis on July 4 at the Royal Artillery Club, in St. George’s a location which, because it is within 300 metres of East End Primary, qualified as an increased penalty zone.

The court heard that at 3.05pm, police went into the men’s room at the club and smelled burnt cannabis.

McGowen was the only man in the room, and when observed fidgeting, was informed that he would be detained for search.

The officers found plant matter resembling cannabis in McGowen’s front pocket; he made no reply when asked what it was.

A further search uncovered a cigarette containing plant-like material. Again making no reply, McGowen was placed under arrest.

McGowan’s pocket was found to contain 0.66 grams of cannabis; the cigarette contained 0.22 grams.

Crown counsel Maria Sofianos also pointed out three earlier convictions for McGowen: possession of cannabis on December 16, 2005; possession of cocaine on December 15, 2003 and possession of cannabis on March 3, 2003.

McGowen pleaded guilty but protested to Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner that he was being charged for drug possession in an increased penalty zone while liquor was being served in the same area.

Mr Warner replied: “You might not know it and a lot of people might not know it, but drugs are illegal and alcohol is legal. If you will not learn your lesson, you’re going to pay the price.”

He fined McGowen $1,000 for possession with $1,500 extra as a result of the increased penalty zone.

Asking for extra time to pay the fine, McGowen was told by Mr Warner: “If you’re going to find time to buy drugs over and over, you’re going to find time to pay the fines.”