ROYAL POLICE FORCE OF ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA

Office of Strategic Communications (STRATCOM)

MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Herberts Man Charged for Smoking Cannabis in Public

St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, Tuesday, March 24, 2026

The police have arrested and charged Jamie Darroux of Herberts for smoking cannabis in a public place and possession of cannabis.The offences occurred at approximately 1:30 p.m. on Monday, March 23, at Herberts.

Reports indicate that police officers attached to the Narcotics Department were on mobile patrol in the vicinity of the Potters Primary School when they observed the defendant allegedly smoking cannabis in a public area. He was subsequently apprehended and taken into custody.

He has since been formally charged and is expected to appear before the court.

The Police Administration is reminding the public that, in accordance with the Tobacco Control Act, 2018, and the Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Act, 2024, smoking tobacco or cannabis is strictly prohibited in enclosed public places, workplaces, and on public conveyances.

These include, but are not limited to:

▪︎Public transportation terminals,

▪︎Offices, factories, and other workplaces

▪︎Restaurants, bars, clubs, shopping malls, cafés casinos,

▪︎Educational institutions and places designated for children,

▪︎Health care facilities

▪︎Government-owned or occupied buildings

▪︎Public gatherings and recreational facilities

▪︎Taxis, buses, aircraft, and other public transport,

▪︎ Any other place or facilities that are accessible to the public

Additionally, any person who smokes cannabis in a public place, or permits the use, sale, or supply of cannabis on premises classified as a public place, commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding EC$2,000.00.

The Police Administration continues to urge members of the public to comply with the laws of Antigua and Barbuda and to refrain from engaging in unlawful activities.