week fined $3,300 for possession of cannabis.

Robert Tokorian, 49, Honor Tokorian, 48, and Susan White, 51, all of Boston, were charged in Magistrates' Court on Friday with importation of 35.89 grams of cannabis, possession of cannabis, and possession of drug equipment.

But duty counsel Tyrone Chin said White had had four battles with cancer and Mr. Tokorian has a brain tumour and that a friend had given them the cannabis as a favour.

Mr. Chin said Tokorian's doctor told him he could not drink alcohol or ride a moped, but he could smoke cannabis.

Prosecutor Sgt. Anthony Mouchette said the three were leaving the cruise ship Song Of America in Hamilton on October 8 at 5.10 p.m. when they were searched by Customs officers.

When Mr. Tokorian was asked if he had any drugs on him or in his cabin, Sgt.

Mouchette said, he replied: "I have a little bit of weed in my cabin.'' A search of the group's cabin uncovered film canisters and plastic bags containing homemade cigarettes and plant material, two pack of cigarettes, and a roach clip.

The plant material was analysed and found to be 35.89 grams of cannabis.

Senior Magistrate Will Francis fined the three $1,100 each.