Charges have been withdrawn against Jamaican national Francis Young, who was facing prosecution in connection with a $372,000 cannabis seizure at Deep Water Harbour.

The Director of Public Prosecutions has formally discontinued all charges against Young, according to information presented in court on Monday. The decision was conveyed to Chief Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel by police prosecution, who confirmed that written instructions had been received from the DPP to withdraw the matter. No reasons were disclosed to the court.

Young had been jointly charged following a major drug operation on May 9, 2025, when officers from the Narcotics Department and Customs carried out a coordinated search at the port’s cargo shed. During the exercise, authorities discovered 62 vacuum-sealed packages of cannabis concealed inside a cardboard container. The drugs weighed approximately 62 pounds and carried an estimated street value of $372,000.

Both Young and co-accused Nadeem Brandon Doumith of Crosbies were initially charged with five offences, including conspiracy to traffic drugs, importation of cannabis, possession of cannabis, possession with intent to transfer, and being concerned in the supply of cannabis.

At their initial court appearance before Acting Chief Magistrate Dexter Wason, Young was granted bail, while Doumith was remanded to His Majesty’s Prison.

With the charges now withdrawn against Young, Doumith remains before the court. His attorney has been given 28 days to file written submissions, with the prosecution allotted a further 28 days to respond. The matter has been adjourned to 8 August 2026.

Young, who has lived in Antigua and Barbuda for the past four years with his wife and children, is said to operate a local business employing several Antiguans. He was also reportedly pursuing citizenship under the country’s Citizenship by Investment Programme prior to his arrest.