fined $550 in Magistrates' Court yesterday for possessing the drug and equipment intended for drug use.

Narcotics officers armed with a search warrant went to the Alexander Road, Devonshire, residence of Jamel Che Hawker on March 9.

In his bedroom they found two empty pay-type envelopes, two home made cigarette butts and envelopes of plant material concealed in a photo frame.

Hawker told the officers the plant material contained in the envelopes was "herb'', which he had for his own use.

A used pack of cigarette papers was also found in his bedside table.

The Government analyst found 2.8 grams of cannabis in the evidence confiscated by Police.

"I have a lot of stress, so I use herb,'' the 20-year-old man told Senior Magistrate the Wor. Will Francis. "That's the only way I can cope.'' Hawker was fined $350 for possessing cannabis and $200 for possessing the cigarette papers.