A $600 fine has been handed to a man who was found in possession of a pipe used for smoking drugs.

An analysis of the instrument, found on Dean Leslie Eve by Police officers, confirmed it had previously contained cocaine.

However Eve, 26, of Cedar Park Road, Devonshire, was commended by Magistrate Khamisi Tokunbo for the efforts he has taken since his arrest in early May to enrol on a drug treatment programme of his own accord.

Appearing at Magistrates? Court, Eve pleaded guilty to having a pipe for use with controlled drugs when he was arrested by Police in Cedar Park Road on May 4.

The court heard that three men had been observed in the road by Police and one of the group was seen to drop something to the ground as the officers approached.

The officers found Eve to be in possession of an object that had a small body and a straw attached to its side. When the Police asked what it was Eve replied: ?You know what it is. I?m on the burn, man.?

Eve was arrested under suspicion of being in possession of a crack pipe. The pipe was sent for analysis and was found to contain traces of cocaine.

Apologising to the court, Eve said: ?I?m sorry for my actions. I?m now getting help for my problem.?

He produced a letter to confirm his enrolment on a drug treatment programme, which he undertook himself five says after his arrest in May.

Mr. Tokunbo praised Eve for using his initiative to seek help to beat his drug use and said he hoped he would continue with the programme.