The Tribune

By FARRAH JOHNSON

Tribune Staff Reporter

fjohnson@tribunemedia.net

AN American tourist who bought marijuana from a man on a local beach was ordered to pay $200 to avoid spending two months in jail.

Cameron Bell, 26, was arrested after US border officials found seven grams of Indian hemp among his belongings at Lynden Pindling International Airport on April 12.

The Florida native pleaded guilty to one count of simple possession when he appeared before Deputy Chief Magistrate Andrew Forbes.

The prosecution said around 2.55pm on the day in question, an officer on duty at LPIA was called to the US Customs border pre-clearance hall in respect to Bell who was attempting to return to America with drugs in his possession.

When the officer got there, he was handed a clear bag with marijuana and notified of the offence.

Bell was subsequently arrested and taken to the Drug Enforcement Unit where he owned up to the allegations and claimed he bought the drugs from a guy “on the beach.’’

During the hearing, Bell pleaded guilty. After accepting his admission, Magistrate Forbes told Bell that his decision to purchase the drugs was not smart.

He also told Bell his attempt to travel back to the US with the marijuana in his possession was even “more unwise” as the drug was also illegal in his home state.

As a result, he fined him $200 or two months at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. He said once the fine was paid, Bell would be released to the Department of Immigration to assist with his return to the USA.