Yellowknife (Mar 05/04) - A Yellowknife teen was fined $875 in youth court Monday for possession of marijuana and underage drinking following a wild house party on Horton Crescent in November.

"I don't care what it says in the newspaper. I don't care what potheads say. You'll go to jail (for marijuana possession)," said Chief Judge Michel Bourassa who handed down the fine.

The 17-year-old was heavily intoxicated when police arrived at his friend's Horton Crescent residence on Nov. 30, after neighbours complained of brawling on the front lawn and loud music.

Police warned the kids to break up the party, but several ran inside and locked the front door, said Crown attorney Darren Mahoney.

When police went inside the house, they saw several teens in various stages of intoxication.

With clenched fists, some began yelling profanities at the officers, and the 17-year-old shoved one RCMP officer before trying to make a getaway through the back door.

Police caught the teen and discovered 22 grams of pot in his jacket, which has a street value of nearly $500.

With some of the other party goers continuing to harass police, backup was called in. By the time the situation was fully under control, six officers were on the scene.

The teen was originally charged with trafficking but the offence was dropped to simple possession after he pleaded guilty Monday in court.

"The big question is: Is (the youth) passing through or is he a regular visitor," said Bourassa.

"If (marijuana) is your habit, it's just a matter of time before you're back," he told the teen who had no previous criminal record.

"I hope you make the right choice."

At the end of the hearing, Bourassa looked at the teen's mother, seated beside her son, and told her: "Don't you pay his fine. It's the only way he'll learn."

Two other youths were charged with underage drinking in the case. They received fines of $50 and $75.