Two teenagers were caught with cannabis near a primary school, a court heard.

The two men, who were arrested in separate incidents, were spotted acting suspiciously close to Prospect Primary School on December 18.

Oshea Saltus, 19, of Devonshire, pleaded guilty yesterday to possession of drugs and obstructing a Police officer in the course of his duty under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Caleb Young, 19, also of Devonshire, also admitted possession of drugs. Crown counsel Kae Thomas told Magistrates' Court that Saltus was spotted by officers acting suspiciously within 300 metres of the primary school an area classed as an 'increased penalty zone'.

"At 11.15 a.m. the patrol saw the defendant sitting on a chair at the entrance to an alleyway, at the entrance to Cedar Park," said Ms Thomas. "They saw him put his hand in his pocket and walk down the alleyway. The officers became suspicious."

Police searched Saltus and found a white paper twist in his pocket. He was arrested on suspicion of possession of drugs.

Saltus then gave officers a false name and date of birth which didn't correspond with his apparent age.

Questioned further, Saltus admitted lying and was arrested for obstructing an officer.

A Police analysis found the twist contained 0.2 grams of cannabis. Saltus, who has previous convictions, declined to comment in court yesterday.

Magistrate Khamisi Tokunbo fined him $1,500 for possession of drugs within an increased penalty zone, plus $300 for the obstruction offence.

In a separate case, Ms Thomas told the court officers also saw Young near the primary school acting suspiciously.

"As the Police vehicle approached, he pushed his right hand in his right back pocket and started to fidget," said Ms Thomas. "Then he walked briskly away."

When officers searched Young they found a brown paper twist in his back pocket. "I didn't know I had that on me," he told them. "You arresting me for that?"

A Police analysis found the twist contained 0.5 grams of cannabis. Mr. Tokunbo ordered a Social Inquiry Report on Young, who has no previous convictions. He was granted bail until sentencing on July 20.