34-year-old United States national Fady Aziz Saloum was taken into custody at V.C. Bird International Airport on Saturday, 7 March 2026.[1] He was taken to Police Headquarters, where the substances were seized and he was formally charged.[2] He appeared before Chief Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel, pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis, and prosecutors withdrew the separate importation charge.[3] The court fined him EC$1,000, payable within 30 days or 30 days in prison, and ordered the cannabis confiscated.[4][5]

Officers from the Narcotics Department, the K-9 Unit and the Customs Enforcement Unit were conducting a coordinated operation at the airport around 4:30 p.m. when a trained drug-detection dog signalled interest in Saloum’s suitcase.[2][6] Saloum had just arrived aboard United Airlines Flight 2020 from Pennsylvania.[1][6] A search of the suitcase uncovered 23 pre-wrapped cannabis joints and a blue zip-lock bag containing vegetable material resembling cannabis.[1][6][5] Authorities confirmed the substances weighed 56 grams, which police valued at EC$560.[1][6]

The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda says it continues to strengthen drug interdiction at ports of entry and reminds travellers that importation and possession remain serious offences.[1][6] The court was told Saloum holds a United States medical cannabis card, which he uses to manage anxiety and back pain.[3][5] The court was told the card carries no legal standing in Antigua and Barbuda.[3][5] At sentencing the magistrate placed the offence in a lower category with no aggravating factors and weighed his cooperation, previous good character and medical card as mitigation.[4] The magistrate also warned travellers to familiarize themselves with the laws of countries they plan to visit.[5]