Had cannabis hidden in waistband of underwear

A man who concealed cannabis herb in the waistband of his underwear has been convicted and fined after he failed to appear in court to face the charge.

Laine Smith (23) of Screeny, Manorhamilton, was charged with having of cannabis on The Mall on 6 th January 2018.

The court heard Smith was stopped by Gardaí “in an area known for drugs” and “appeared nervous.”

Gardaí found “plant material” concealed in the waistband of his underwear and asked Smith what it was. He said it was cannabis, for himself.

The plant material was sent for analysis and confirmed to be cannabis.

The court heard he previously received the Probation Act for a similar offence.

Judge Kilrane convicted Smith and fined him ¤200 in his absence.

Separately, Ciana Clancy (27) of Caltragh Crescent, Sligo, was given the Probation Act for pleading guilty to two counts of having ¤50 of cannabis in Steven McDonagh Place, Forthill on 19 th February 2018.