A Devonshire man who admitted possessing cocaine and drug equipment has been fined $3,000 in Magistrates' Court.

Omar Young, 36, of Lookout Lane, pleaded guilty to possessing 0.01 grams of cocaine while in an increased penalty zone, namely within 300 metres of the Bermuda National Library, on July 3.

Young also admitted to possessing a green bottle neck and plastic mesh, which tested positive for cocaine residue.

The court heard that officers arrested him outside the library and transported him to Hamilton Police station around 1.30 p.m. While processing him officers found a blue tobacco packet containing a white substance and the drug equipment.

Officers seized the items for analysis and placed them in an exhibit bag. Young was said to have previous convictions for dishonesty, but he defended himself in court and said: "Your honour, I plead guilty and it would not happen again. Like I said I am in college. I am doing economics right now via correspondence in New York with Henry George Institute.

"I am trying to get my life together. I am in the middle of doing a masons' programme."

Magistrate Juan Wolffe fined him $1,500 for each of the offences and gave him 90 days to pay.