Woman caught trying to bring cannabis into Dunedin court

A woman in possession of cannabis proved to be her own undoing when she tried to enter the Dunedin District Court on Wednesday.

A police spokeswoman told Newshub the woman brought the cannabis into the court on Wednesday afternoon, before the drug was detected by security.

She was released with a pre-charge warning, the spokeswoman said.

Local media, including the Otago Daily Times and Stuff, report the woman was not in court on charge-related matters.

According to police, if a person 17 years or older is reported possessing cannabis, they will likely get diversion - in particular for a first offence.

"This means they will avoid the court process and the likelihood of a conviction."

New Zealanders will get their say on the drug at the 2020 election, with a referendum on recreational cannabis expected to be on the ballot.

Newshub.