A man caught using cannabis in a public area was cautioned by the court but fined after exceeding the legal possession threshold.

Jamie Darroux admitted the offences when he appeared before Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel, following his arrest by narcotics officers in Potters on March 23.

The court declined to impose a penalty for public smoking, instead issuing a warning. However, Darroux was ordered to pay $500 after officers found 21 grams of cannabis — above the 15-gram limit allowed under law.

The matter comes amid tighter enforcement of public cannabis rules, with legislation allowing fines of up to EC$2,000 for smoking in public spaces.