A young married couple is expected to be arraigned after the woman was noticed handing over to her husband, sitting in the dock in a courtroom, what the police suspect was cannabis. The incident occurred yesterday morning when the magistrate was still in the courtroom where a number of police officers were also present.

Police sources said the 18-year-old woman, who is pregnant, was arrested as her husband, facing theft-related charges, allegedly tried to slip into the back of his trousers the item just given to him by his wife.

The man, who is in preventive custody, was frisked and more illegal substance was allegedly found in his possession, the sources said.

The man and a co-accused were in court for the compilation of evidence in their case.

The sources said the proceedings had just ended when the young wife was seen giving her husband what looked like a cigarette. A policeman standing by asked the man what he had been given.

As the accused appeared to be trying to hide the item in his trousers, the police intervened and he was searched.

The woman was also searched and interviewed by the police.