Samantha Pearl McDonald pleads guilty to producing dangerous drugs

A Whitsunday woman was warned police would be keeping an eye on her after they found some unusual pot plants in her bathroom.

A Whitsunday bottle shop assistant manager has pleaded guilty to producing dangerous drugs after police found marijuana plants growing in her bathroom.

Samantha Pearl McDonald, 45, appeared at Proserpine Magistrates Court on multiple charges, telling the court she was a long-time marijuana user who had “never been in trouble” before.

The court heard an October 10 search of McDonald’s Cannonvale home uncovered several potted marijuana plants and seedlings, equipment including grow lights, utensils including pipes and bongs, marijuana seeds, cannabis oil, and 6.5 grams of dried weed.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Emma Myors said the bathroom appeared to be “dedicated to growing cannabis” because the windows had been covered up “to prevent any grow light glow being seen from outside”.

Samantha Pearl Mcdonald pleaded guilty to producing dangerous drugs, possessing dangerous drugs, possessing utensils or pipes etc that had been used, and possessing anything used in the commission of crime. Picture: Facebook

Sgt Myors said McDonald told officers she and a male co-accused produced the drug for personal use because it was “cheaper than buying it”.

Magistrate James Morton told McDonald “it’s never too late” to stop using drugs.

“Police know you’re involved in drugs so be mindful of what you do now,” Mr Morton said.

“I’m not telling you to go underground and be better and better at it – I’m telling you to get off it, get away from it.”

The sentence was a $550 fine with no convictions recorded.

The seized property was forfeited.