cannabis was yesterday sentenced to two years probation.

Jamal Lovell, 21, of Fruitland Lane, Pembroke -- during previous proceedings in Magistrates' Court -- admitted importing the drug.

The court heard that Police found two packages of drugs taped to Lovell's socks when he returned to Bermuda from Jamaica on a charter with the regiment on March 31.

Yesterday, Lovell's lawyer Kim White pointed out he had spent a total of nine weeks in custody -- two of those weeks in the custody of the Regiment -- and as a result had learned his lesson.

Mr. White said: "He is a first time offender -- the short, sharp shock imposed on him by the court has worked.'' Senior Magistrate Will Francis, after taking into account Lovell's age, time spent in custody and the social inquiry report, placed the defendant on probation.

Mr. Francis also ordered Lovell to attend counselling and rehabilitation.