Man fined for cannabis offences

When police turned up at his Deacons Farm residence, Jason Errol Chapman ran into his yard and began pulling cannabis plants from the ground.

The 42-year-old of Neptune Road now has to pay $5 000 in fines after pleading guilty to possession of cannabis, having a trafficable quantity, intending to supply, and cultivating cannabis on September 23.

Sergeant Kenmore Phillips told the No. 2 District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court that, after receiving information, police officers went to Chapman’s home around 4.50 a.m. The accused was seen running into the enclosed backyard and starting to pull and attempting to discard the plants.

The officers entered the yard, subdued Chapman and asked him to give an account of the plants. He admitted ownership and was arrested.

The cannabis, which ranged from seedlings to plants eight feet in height, weighed two kilogrammes and had an estimated street value of $10 000.

Acting Magistrate Shakieda Sealy ordered him to pay $2 500 each for the possession and cultivation charges by January 28, 2027, or serve three months at Dodds Prison. He was reprimanded and discharged on the remaining two offences.