A MAN was fined $5,000 yesterday after he pleaded guilty to possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply.

Ovian Hanna, 21, appeared before Chief Magistrate Andrew Forbes facing the charge with 21-year-old Lanez McPhee.

Hanna took responsibility for the 2lbs of marijuana allegedly found in their possession by police on October 31.

Due to his early plea of guilt and his youth, the chief magistrate fined Hanna $5,000 instead of imposing a custodial sentence for a crime that could have seen Hanna receive a $50,000 fine and/or seven years imprisonment.

However, Chief Magistrate Forbes said if Hanna does not pay the $5,000 penalty, he will spend 15 months at the Department of Correctional Services.

Hanna was also arraigned on a count each of possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of ammunition.

It is alleged that on October 31, he was found with a Keltec Luger 9mm pistol and four bullets for the weapon.

Hanna pleaded not guilty to the charges and was told that he would stand trial on February 10, 2017.

Supt. Ercell Dorsett said the prosecution will proceed with trial against McPhee, who denied the drug charge.

He, too, will stand trial next February.

Lamech Johnson, Tribune Staff Reporter

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