Manjimup man Benjamin Wolfs fined over cannabis plants, 5kg of material found in home

A 41-year-old Manjimup man has been told he is “quite lucky” that he was not convicted of more serious drug offences after being fined for growing cannabis and possessing it in his home. Benjamin Walter Wolfs appeared in Bunbury Magistrate’s Court on Monday where he was handed a global fine of $900 for cultivating cannabis and possessing 5kg of the illicit drug in his home. Although Wolfs faced accusations in the District Court of possessing the cannabis with the intent to sell or supply to others, negotiations saw the charges sent back to Magistrate’s Court where he was instead charged with simple possession. The court was told police officers conducted a search of Wolfs’ Manjimup home during the afternoon of April 13 when it was discovered Wolfs had been cultivating two cannabis plants inside a tent in the rear yard of the property. The court was told the tent featured a hydroponic set-up. Police also located and seized a total of 5.392kg of cannabis material found separated into various quantities throughout the shed. It was understood some of the material had been placed into bags, while other parts of the material were drying throughout the shed. As officers made inquiries as to why Wolfs had the cannabis and the plants, Wolfs said it was for “personal use”. Wolfs’ defence counsel Michael Devlin submitted that not all of the material that was found was “useable” and backed up Wolfs’ statement that the cannabis was for personal use. However, Magistrate Linda Keane questioned why the material was packaged in bags and why there was such a large quantity of the drug if it truly was for personal use. “It’s certainly more than what’s required for personal use so why keep it?” Ms Keane asked. Despite being unsure of the submissions, Ms Keane accepted that it was a decision made by the District Court to have the charges amended and remitted back to the Magistrate’s Court. In handing down the fine, as well as ordering Wolfs to pay more than $250 in court costs, Ms Keane said he was “very lucky” to have avoided being convicted of drug dealing.