Jaime-Lee Willis pleaded guilty to producing dangerous drugs

A police raid on a Maryborough mum-of-two’s home uncovered a drug producing set-up that included a grow tent and multiple cannabis plants.

Jaime-Lee Willis pleaded guilty to producing dangerous drugs, possessing dangerous drugs and possessing drug utensils when she faced Maryborough Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

A raid on a Maryborough mum’s home uncovered a large grow tent with six cannabis plants inside, while another 12 plants were found in her backyard.

Jaime-Lee Willis, 30, pleaded guilty to multiple charges including producing dangerous drugs and possessing dangerous drugs when she faced Maryborough Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Rob Booth said on September 15, 2023, officers had carried out a raid at a Maryborough home in relation to the production of cannabis.

When police searched the home, a large grow tent was found in one of the bedrooms of the house.

It was about a quarter of the size of the room that contained three large grow lights and six cannabis plants about 40cm high in pots.

An air filter, fertilisers and other equipment was also in the room.

In the backyard, 12 cannabis plants about 12cm tall were found in pots.

Clipseal bags of cannabis were also found in the home, as well as cannabis seeds.

In total 170 grams of cannabis was found in the home, Sgt Booth said.

He said it was somewhat of a sophisticated set up, but it was not alleged that there was any commerciality.

Jaime-Lee Willis pleaded guilty to producing dangerous drugs, possessing dangerous drugs and possessing drug utensils when she faced Maryborough Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

Willis, who was a mum to two young girls, had no prior criminal history, Sgt Booth said.

Magistrate John Milburn said it was evident Willis was remorseful.

“You had a relatively sophisticated production process involving cannabis,” he said.

Mr Milburn said Willis had since been prescribed medicinal cannabis and it worked to her advantage because it indicated medical practitioners supported her use of that drug to deal with her underlying issues.

Willis had “substantial” mental health issues, Mr Milburn said.

He said he considered Willis’ good character as she had no previous criminal history, and she had made contributions to the community.

“But you are to blame for the offence,” Mr Milburn said.

“While I accept you did not wish to engage with members of our community who engage in criminal activity and supply dangerous drugs, and therefore is a reason why you went about producing it yourself, that is not an excuse and if you are to have your ongoing association with the drug, you must do so within the constraints of the law and the good medical practice.”

Willis was sentenced to 15 months on probation and no convictions were recorded.

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