A Portadown man – whom a judge said had now added drugs to his “criminal repertoire” – has been fined £145.
The 26-year-old’s barrister said he “should know better given his criminal record which does show an absence of drugs”.
Jason Jaswal, 26, of Summerisland Road, pleaded guilty to possession of a Class B drug at Armagh Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
Court heard that on April 30, at around 11.20pm, police responded to a report of a separate matter at an address in Tandragee.
When officers entered, they observed the defendant place a wallet inside a drawer in the bathroom.
During a search, police found a plastic pouch of white powder which they suspected of being a Class A drug and Jaswal was arrested for suspected possession.
Court heard that upon chemical analysis it was found to be a Class B drug, namely ephylone, which was described as a “stimulant”.
Defence barrister Seamus Lannon stated: “This is Mr Jaswal’s first conviction for drugs. He is 26 and should know better given his criminal record which does show an absence of drugs.
“He instructs that he was experimenting and offers his apologies to the court for this is a lesson learned.”
District Judge Paul Copeland commented: “You’ve been in this court numerous times and you have now added drugs to your criminal repertoire.
“Don’t let this happen again.”
Jaswal was ordered to pay a fine of £145, along with the offender’s levy of £15.
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