A man was prosecuted in Criminal Case 00313 of 2025 for growing Indian hemp (marijuana) under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, according to a Kiribati High Court judgment published on PacLII. The judgment names him as Tom Utimawa.
Two plants were growing in his backyard garden, and dried leaves and branches were found in his sleeping hut. He pleaded guilty; the hearing was on 17 September 2025. The sentence, delivered on 23 December 2025, was 18 months' imprisonment, suspended for two years, plus a fine of $600 payable within two weeks.
Why it matters: Two plants and some leaves led to a prison sentence, even though it was suspended. It hangs over him for two years.
Source: PacLII (Kiribati High Court judgment), 2025-12-23 (translated from en). Forgotten Prisoner's account is based on this reporting.