Paul Aubin (23), of Christchurch, was this afternoon convicted on one charge of possession of cannabis for the purpose of supply, and one of possession of a bong, both on April 28.
Prosecuting Sergeant Ian Collin said Aubin, a housekeeper, and his co-defendant were known to each other.
At the time Aubin lived in Christchurch, but had travelled by car to Queenstown.
The court was told that on April 27 about 11.23pm, a black Mazda was parked in Shotover St and a member of the public called police to advise there was a strong smell of cannabis coming from it.
About 2am on April 28 the vehicle was seen parked on Earl St.
Police approached and spoke with the other party, who was in the driver's seat. Aubin was in the passenger's seat.
A strong smell of cannabis was coming from the vehicle when the defendant opened the door, so police invoked a search warrant.
During the search, police located 2.43kg of cannabis in various bags, including 137 individual snap lock bags, some with names and numbers on them, with amounts ranging from 2.4g to 35g.
Boxes of snap lock bags were also discovered, along with utensils, scales, cleaning brushes and gloves and $950 cash in a box.
Sgt Collin said 1g of cannabis cost about $20, meaning police estimated the total value of the cannabis seized was $48,623.
Judge Phillips ordered a pre-sentence report and appendices for home detention ahead of Aubin's sentencing on November 25, and warned a jail term was likely.
"I make it very clear to you that the indication I'm giving to you is one of a full-time custodial sentence end point."
