A former sergeant in the then Bermuda Regiment has admitted possessing two rifle magazines as well as 18.21 grams of cannabis.

Appearing in Magistrates’ Court this morning, Jason DeCouto, of Paget, pleaded guilty to having two mini Ruger magazines in his possession in Paget on April 6.

The 35-year-old also admitted having the controlled drug in Pembroke on the same date.

At a previous court appearance earlier this month, DeCouto had denied having the drugs with intent to supply, but he pleaded guilty to simple possession this morning and the Crown accepted his plea. He also changed his plea from not guilty to guilty on the firearms charge.

Prosecutor Alan Richards told the court that police officers were on duty with a canine unit when the dog altered them to a car.

The officers could smell cannabis and 18.21g of plant material contained in a total of 16 plastic twists were found under the driver’s seat in two glass jars. A further $404 in Bermudian currency were also seized and DeCouto was conveyed to Hamilton Police Station.

His residence was searched later that day and the gun components were found along with more cash — $600 in Bermudian currency and $5 in Canadian currency.

When questioned about the magazines, DeCouto told the officers that they were from his “regiment days” and that he forgot to hand them in.

Defence lawyer Craig Attridge added in court today that his client simply forgot he was in possession of the items.

Magistrate Khamisi Tokunbo ordered pre-sentencing reports and adjourned the matter to November 20. DeCouto’s bail was extended.

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