Canada skipper Nicholas Kirton has reportedly been taken into police custody in Barbados, over a drugs-related issue.
According a report in the Jamaica Gleaner in the early hours of April 2, Kirton "was taken into police custody on Sunday after arriving at the Grantley Adams International Airport. He is in police custody as he assists police in relation to a drug charge."
Sources mentioned in the report say that the investigation is in relation to 20 pounds (approx. 9 kg) of cannabis, also known as ganja or marijuana. The country's drug laws were relaxed in 2015, amending the status of the drug to decriminalise it, introducing a license system for its cultivation.
Decriminalisation is not full legalisation, though. Possession of upto two ounces (approx. 57 grams) of cannabis is not a criminal offense, but carrying this amount in public can attract a fine – which does not apply to medical marijuana.
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However, possession of more than this amount is still a criminal offense. Nine kg is almost 160 times more than the permissible limit.
Who is Nicholas Kirton?
Kirton, 26, was born in Barbados and has represented their U17 and U19 sides in domestic cricket. He has also been part of West Indies' U19 squads in the past, but has not made an appearance for the team.
By virtue of his mother's birth in Canada, he is eligible to represent the country in international cricket, and made his List A debut playing for them against Oman in February 2018.
In July last year, Kirton was appointed Canada skipper across formats (ODIs and T20Is). He has scored over 1,000 runs in both white-ball formats for Canada, and represented tham at last year's T20 World Cup as well.
His last appearance came in a T20I against Namibia in Windhoek on March 23, in a series tacked on to their tour of the country as part of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup League 2 fixtures.
Also read: Namibia complete T20I chase in 16 balls to set new national record
Canada are set to play in the North America Cup, a T20 tournament, alongside Bahamas, Bermuda, USA and Cayman Islands from April 18. Kirton's involvement in this investigation has now cast doubts over his availability for that tournament.
Cricket Canada respond to allegations around Nicholas Kirton
In a statement dated April 3, Cricket Canada responded to the incident and allegations around Kirton: "Cricket Canada has been made aware of the recent allegations and detainment involving National Team player Nicholas Kirton. We are actively monitoring the situation and closely following developments as they unfold. Cricket Canada is committed to ensuring transparency and will provide updates as more details become available.
"We take this matter seriously and remain steadfast in upholding the highest standards of integrity and accountability within the sport. While this situation is being addressed, we would like to assure the public that our National Men’s Team is fully focused on their preparations for the upcoming North America Cup, set to begin on April 18th in the Cayman Islands.
"Cricket Canada remains dedicated to supporting the team as they continue to represent our country with pride and professionalism."
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