A 24-year-old man has been sentenced to two years and eight months in prison after admitting to unlawful possession of illegal drugs. Apisai Yatevatu reportedly took his cousin on a trip from Suva to Savusavu under the guise of collecting yaqona, a traditional beverage made from kava plants.
Once they arrived, Yatevatu instructed his cousin to wait while he allegedly uprooted yaqona from his farm. However, when Yatevatu returned, police stopped their vehicle during a routine check. A search yielded not only farm tools but also loose green leaves believed to be marijuana.
The court noted that Yatevatu had already spent 11 months in remand before his sentencing. After considering this time served, he is required to fulfill one year and eight months in prison.
This case reflects ongoing concerns about drug-related offenses in Fiji, reminiscent of previous instances involving others convicted of similar crimes. For example, Kiniviliame Nacagilevu, a father of three, received a five-year suspended sentence after being found guilty of cultivating a significant quantity of marijuana. In both cases, the emphasis from the judiciary has been on rehabilitation opportunities for the individuals involved.
The ongoing judicial proceedings about such drug offenses highlight the legal system’s commitment to addressing these issues while also considering the potential for reform and positive contributions to society from those convicted. As circumstances evolve, it remains hopeful that with support, those affected can turn their lives around and reintegrate into their communities as productive members.
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