on board the Royal Majesty yesterday, sadder, wiser and $1,500 poorer after appearing in Magistrates' Court on drugs charges.

Kathleen Christiani and travelling companion Rita Ann Mogan barely held back the tears as they pleaded guilty before Senior Magistrate Will Francis to importing cocaine for their personal use and possessing drug equipment.

The pair, who are both in their 30's, were arrested after Customs Officers searched their cabin on August 13.

According to Police prosecutor Phil Taylor the search turned up 3.41 grams of cocaine belonging to Christiani, along with a straw which contained trace amounts of the drug.

The 34-year-old woman's lawyer Tyrone Chin told the court she had paid $100 for the cocaine, but according to Sgt. Taylor the drugs are worth $850 in Bermuda and she was accordingly fined a total of $1,000 for the offences. Mr.

Francis' decision on the size of the fine was made after he had been told the defendants had no more than $1,000 with them. Mogan was fined $500 for possession of 0.43 grams of cocaine and a straw with trace amounts of the drug.

DEVONSHIRE MAN PLEADS NOT GUILTY CTS Devonshire man pleads not guilty Devonshire resident Stephen Pitt, 44, pleaded not guilty to a charge of possessing drug equipment yesterday in Magistrates' Court where he also appeared for mention in connection with charges stemming from a break-in at a Hamilton shop on April 19.

The break-in is alleged to have occurred when Pitt, of Alexandria Road, was on $1,500 court bail for other matters including possession of breaking and entering equipment and an offensive weapon.

It is alleged Pitt broke into Tools and Equipment Unlimited on North Street, Pembroke and stole three one-gallon bottles of Armour All cleaning fluid worth $129.

CRUISE BOAT OWNER FACES THE MUSIC CTS Cruise boat owner faces the music The owner of the popular cruise boat Bermuda Longtail appeared in Court yesterday to face charges of playing loud music and disturbing others.

The charges have actually been levelled at the Captain in command of the Longtail at the time the offences were alleged to have occurred. Owner David Durham appeared in Court yesterday on Captain David Whitfield's behalf, to register a not guilty plea with the Court.

It is believed police were called by Pembroke residents with a complaint at about 10 p.m. on August 16 of last year, when the Bermuda Longtail is alleged to have been playing music too loud.

The matter has been set for mention on Monday.