Man fined for hi-tech weed farm

A St Andrew man who was said to be the owner of a hydroponic ganja farm was sentenced yesterday when he appeared in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court.

Courtney Bailey pleaded guilty to possession of, dealing in and cultivating ganja. The court heard that the police, acting on intelligence, went to a house on Lyndhurst Drive, Kingston 5, with a warrant. Bailey indicated to the police that he is not the owner of the premises but he occupies a room.

The court heard that when the room was searched, 23 fully grown ganja plants were found, weighing eight pounds and six ounces. Two LED 4000-watt lights, four exhaust fans, one carbon filter, one pressure spray pan, three surge protectors, one bottle of calcium and vitamin nutrients, one timer and one master controller were also seen in the room.

The court heard that when the police cautioned Bailey and told him that he was in breach of the Dangerous Drugs Act, Bailey replied "Officer, a likkle weed me a plant for smoking purposes."

When he appeared before the courts yesterday, it was indicated to Parish Judge Sanchia Burrell that he was prepared to be sentenced.

For possession of ganja, Bailey was ordered to pay a fine of $15,000 or serve 30 days' imprisonment. For cultivating ganja, he is to pay a fine of $12,800 or face 30 days' imprisonment. Burrell admonished and discharged him for the charge of dealing in ganja.