Probation, fine for growing drugs at home

A 22-YEAR-old man drug grower was sentenced to 18 months probation and a fine of $600 at the Cook Islands High Court.

Jacob Berg appeared before Judge Justice Christine Grice for the charges of one count of cultivating cannabis plants and one count of possession of a utensil.

The court heard on July 7 this year police received information on cannabis being cultivated in a Tupapa residence. Crown Laws Talissa Koteka said eight cannabis plants were found and clear bag of four cannabis seeds and a bong.

Koteka suggested a short term of six months imprisonment for Berg. Defence lawyer Wilkie Rasmussen said the defendant had no issues with the facts and charges, but has relevant issues with the sentencing.

Rasmussen said the defendant is a talented graphic artist and he demonstrates potential for the Cook Islands. Justice Grice said for the first charge of cultivating cannabis under the Narcotics and Misuse of Drugs Act Berg could get 20 years imprisonment and for the second charge in the same Act it is five years imprisonment with a fine of up to $5000.

Grice said his early guilty plea was mitigating and she sentenced him with a fine of $600 and 18 months probation. The first 12 months was to be served as community service.

Berg is also ordered not to leave the country without the court’s approval and he has to pay a court fee of $50.