Man admits possession of cannabis

ONE of two men arrested in Queenstown in April after they were found in a car with a massive amount of cannabis, worth almost $50,000, has admitted his part in the offending.

Paul Aubin (23), of Christchurch, was convicted on Monday by Judge Kevin Phillips in the Queenstown District Court on one charge of possession of cannabis for the purpose of supply, and one of possession of a bong, both on April 28.

Prosecuting sergeant Ian Collin said Aubin, a housekeeper, and his codefendant, are known to each other.

At the time Aubin lived in Christchurch, but had travelled by car to Queenstown.

About 11.23pm on April 27 a black Mazda was parked in Shotover St and a member of the public called police to advise there was a strong smell of cannabis coming from it.

The vehicle was seen parked on Earl St about 2am the next day.

Police approached the vehicle — Aubin was in the passenger’s seat.

A strong smell of cannabis was coming from the vehicle when the defendant opened the door, so police invoked a search warrant.

Police located 2.43kg of cannabis in various bags, including 137 individual snap lock bags, some with names and numbers on them, in amounts ranging from 2.4g to 35g.

Boxes of snap lock bags were also discovered, along with utensils, scales, cleaning brushes, gloves and $950 cash secreted in a box.

Sgt Collin said 1g of cannabis cost about $20, meaning police estimated the total value of the cannabis seized was $48,623.

At the time of his arrest Aubin declined to make any comment.

Judge Phillips ordered a presentence report and appendices to address home detention for his sentencing on November 25.

‘‘I make it very clear to you that the indication I’m giving to you is one of a fulltime custodial sentence end point,’’ he said.