A “birthday treat” of cocaine cost Jamie Thomson a £200 fine.
Thomson, of Havelock Street, Hawick, admitted possession of the class A drug at Galashiels police station on January 29.
Graham Fraser, prosecuting at Selkirk Sheriff Court on Monday, told how officers were processing his belongings when they found white powder in his wallet.
Mr Fraser added: “He initially claimed a friend must have planted it, but then accepted it was his. He was due to celebrate his 18th birthday the next day and said he had this small amount for thatpurpose.”
The cocaine had a street value of £40-£60.
“He described it as a treat for his birthday,” concluded Mr Fraser.
Defending, Mat Patrick said Thomson had been given the drug for his birthday, adding: “He is not a regular user.”
Sheriff John Halley told Thomson: “The court always takes the view that possession of a class A drug is a very serious matter indeed. It is a particular scourge to society and far from being something to be regarded as a treat for your birthday.”