Said Nditije: Pleads guilty to drug charges at Darwin Local Court

After rejecting free legal advice, the 21 year-old said “I put myself in that situation” before pleading guilty to serious charges which could see him face a “significant term of imprisonment”. Read what was said.

A young Darwin man has rejected free-of-charge legal advice, telling the court he ‘put himself’ in the situation and wanted to plead guilty.

A young Darwin man has rejected free-of-charge legal advice, telling the court he ‘put himself’ in the situation and wants to plead guilty.

On Wednesday morning, Said Nditije appeared in Darwin Local Court for a preliminary examination mention, for his charges of supplying and possessing commercial quantities of schedule 1 and 2 drugs.

The court heard that Mr Nditije, 21, was already under investigation by drug and organised crime section authorities when, on February 17, 2025, he collected 510 grams of cannabis from a Rapid Creek property.

Mr Nditije stashed the cannabis in his Ford Ranger before driving a few hundred metres down the road and giving the drugs to another man.

The next day, Mr Nditije removed 1.36 kilograms of cannabis from the same Rapid Creek property.

As he was leaving the premises, Mr Nditije was stopped and arrested by detectives who had been monitoring his movements.

The detectives then executed a search warrant of the property, where they found 4.6 kilograms of MDMA and 16.67 kilograms of cannabis.

Authorities also discovered a cryovac machine and other drug supply paraphernalia.

The court heard Mr Nditije had refused to undertake a recorded police interview and had only met a lawyer once since his arrest.

Asked by Judge Tanya Fong Lim if he intended to speak to a lawyer, Mr Nditije, who appeared by video link, said “no, it’s fine.”

“You understand you are facing a significant term of imprisonment should you be found guilty of these charges?” Judge Fong Lim asked.

“I need to know from you today whether or not you’re wanting to contest the charges or plead guilty.”

A lawyer sitting in the gallery offered to fill-in and assist Mr Nditije. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

A lawyer who was sitting in the courtroom then offered to provide assistance to Mr Nditije.

The volunteer lawyer, Judge Fong Lim and the prosecution proceeded to organise legal advice for Mr Nditije.

However, Mr Nditije rejected the offer.

“Do I have a choice whether I speak to lawyers or not?” he asked.

“Because I would prefer not to.”

Judge Fong Lim reassured Mr Nditije such legal advice would “not cost you anything”.

“I don’t understand why you don’t want to speak to the lawyers,” she said.

“It’s a free service.”

Mr Nditije maintained he had already made up his mind and wanted to plead guilty.

“I’ve made my decision,” he said.

“I put myself in that situation.”

Mr Nditije will next appear at the Supreme Court for sentencing on May 15, 2025.

Originally published as Said Nditije: Pleads guilty to drug charges at Darwin Local Court