Court delays proceedings in 62-pound cannabis importation case

Two men charged over the alleged importation of 62 pounds of cannabis through the Deep Water Harbour will have to wait until April to learn if they will have to answer to charges in the High Court.

Chief Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel adjourned committal proceedings on Wednesday after hearing that the case file is still being vetted and has not yet reached the Director of Public Prosecutions for final authorization.

Nadeem Brandon Doumith of Crosbies and Francis Young of Hodges Bay are facing five serious charges in connection with a major drug seizure on May 9, 2025. The charges include conspiracy to commit drug trafficking, possession of cannabis, possession with intent to transfer, importation of cannabis, and being concerned in the supply of the drug.

According to the prosecution, customs and police officials discovered a suspicious brown cardboard box inside a shipping container at the cargo shed at Deep Water Harbour. A search of the box allegedly revealed 62 vacuum-sealed packages of cannabis with a combined weight of 62 pounds and an estimated street value of $372,000.

The Chief Magistrate has set April 1 as the next court date, by which time prosecutors are expected to have completed their review and be ready to proceed with committal.

If committed, both men would stand trial before a judge and jury at the High Court on the trafficking-related charges.