DPP Withdraws All Drug Charges Against Jamaican Businessman; Second High-Profile Case Dropped in Quick Succession

All drug charges against a Jamaican businessman residing in Antigua and Barbuda have been formally withdrawn before the courts, following instructions issued by the Director of Public Prosecutions to discontinue the matter — marking the second high-profile drug case dropped by the DPP's office in the space of a week.

Francis Young, of Hodges Bay, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel, represented by attorney Andrew Okola, with attorney Wendel Alexander appearing in court on Okola's behalf. Young had been facing five serious charges arising from a joint narcotics and customs operation at the Deep Water Harbour on May 9, 2025.

The Charges

During that operation, officers from the Narcotics Department and Customs officials discovered 62 vacuum-sealed packages of cannabis inside a brown cardboard container box. The total weight of the seized substance was 62 pounds, with an estimated street value of EC$372,000.

The five charges faced by Young were: conspiracy to commit drug trafficking, possession of cannabis, possession of cannabis with intent to transfer, importation of cannabis, and being concerned in the supply of cannabis. No reasons were publicly stated for the withdrawal of the charges against him.

Who is Francis Young?

Young, a Jamaican national, has resided in Antigua and Barbuda for four years with his wife and three minor children. He operates a company that reportedly employs several Antiguan nationals. At the time of the case, Young had also reportedly been pursuing an application for citizenship under the Citizenship by Investment Programme.

Co-Accused Remains Before the Court

Young's co-accused, Nadeem Brandon Doumith of Crosbies, was represented separately by attorney Alexander, and his matter remains active before the court. Alexander has been directed to file and serve written submissions within 28 days, with the prosecution having a corresponding 28-day period to respond. The case has been adjourned to August 8.

A Second Dropped Case Raises Eyebrows

The withdrawal of Young's charges follows closely on the heels of another high-profile drug matter that the DPP's office discontinued last week. Charges against 48-year-old Canadian national Roselynee Crisostomo — allegedly found with 67 pounds of cannabis at VC Bird International Airport on March 10, 2026 — were similarly withdrawn, with medical reasons cited as justification.

That decision drew significant public criticism, particularly as Crisostomo had previously appeared before Chief Magistrate Emanuel and expressed a desire to plead guilty, prompting the matter to be fast-tracked for committal proceedings.

The back-to-back withdrawal of two significant drug cases, one without any stated reason, is certain to invite scrutiny of prosecutorial decision-making and fuel wider public debate about the administration of justice in Antigua and Barbuda.