Attempts to mask cannabis smell by dousing it with fuel leaves man with hefty fine

A 46-year-old man tried to mask the scent of cannabis by dousing the concealed drug with fuel.

Nathan Charles Reiser pleaded guilty to obstructing police when he poured fuel onto a shirt hiding 200g of wet cannabis he intended to swap for dry cannabis.

In Albany Magistrate’s Court last week, police prosecutor Sgt Dave Loverock told the court Reiser was a passenger in a car pulled over by police on Settlement Road in Narrikup on June 19.

As police went to conduct a breath test, they caught a strong whiff of cannabis wafting from the vehicle, Sgt Loverock said.

Reiser denied he had cannabis in his possession and then poured fuel from a jerry can over the shirt while police were not looking.

Defence counsel Graeme Payne said the charge of possession of prohibited drugs with intent to sell or supply related to the fact he wanted to “swap” the cannabis.

But Magistrate Dianne Scaddan said swapping cannabis did not reduce the seriousness of the offence.

“Engaging in any drug transaction is regarded as a serious matter by the court,” she said.

“Obstructing police by using flammable liquid to mask the smell is a risky thing ... it shows a lack of regard for police safety.”

Reiser was fined $4500.