A housekeeper’s vigilance led to the arrest and charging of an American hotel guest last month, after she came across a white powdery substance in his bathroom.

Carter Clifton Murphey, 36, of No. 338 Indiangrass Loop, Montrose, Colorado, United States, appeared before Magistrate Bernadeth John in the District “C” Magistrates’ Court on May 20, on charges of possession of 1.80 grammes of cocaine, intent to supply and trafficking the substance, which had a $90 street value. He pleaded guilty to all three offences.

Murphey was fined $1 000 payable within 24 hours for trafficking, with the alternative of a month in prison. The money was paid. He was convicted, reprimanded and discharged on the other two counts.