Alric Lindsay 
By Alric Lindsay
An 18-year-old man who admitted to owning a pouch of Ganja found after a car tried to evade a police checkpoint has been handed a conditional discharge, ensuring his slate remains clean before he starts upcoming employment.
The young man appeared in Summary Court today, September 21, 2026, with defence attorney Stacy-Ann Kelly to answer charges of possessing 14.5 grams of Ganja and a grinder. The court heard that on December 18, 2025, police officers were conducting a routine checkpoint at the intersection of Outpost Street and the Linford Pierson Highway when they observed a silver Mercedes turn away from the checkpoint. Officers intercepted the vehicle, discovering the illicit pouch in the young man’s possession. The young man, who was a passenger, confessed to owning the items.
Attorney Kelly told the court that the young man lives with his mother and fell into a “bad habit” out of poor judgment with friends. Attorney Kelly strongly advocated for a clean criminal record, highlighting that the young man had recently secured a job offer, which could be revoked if a conviction was entered.
Magistrate Murray reviewed the forensic certificates and characterized the young man as a “random user” rather than an addict, assessing the offence as low harm and low culpability. Utilizing Section 41 of the Penal Code, Magistrate Murray granted a conditional discharge tied to 6 months of random drug testing. If completed cleanly, the young man will maintain a completely clear record. Forfeiture and destruction of the seized drugs and grinder were ordered.
