A 24-year-old man has been sentenced to two years and eight months in prison for unlawful possession of illegal drugs. Apisai Yatevatu, who took his cousin on a trip from Suva to Savusavu under the pretense of collecting yaqona, a traditional kava beverage, found himself in legal trouble after a police check revealed loose green leaves believed to be marijuana in their vehicle.
Authorities reported that upon arriving at their destination, Yatevatu told his cousin to wait while he went to uproot yaqona crops from his farm. However, the routine police search uncovered farm tools alongside the suspected illegal substances.
The court acknowledged that Yatevatu had already served 11 months in remand prior to his sentencing. Consequently, he will now serve an additional year and eight months in prison.
This case sheds light on the growing concerns regarding drug-related offenses in Fiji, echoing past incidents such as that of Kiniviliame Nacagilevu. Nacagilevu, a father of three, was handed a five-year suspended sentence for cultivating a considerable amount of marijuana. Both cases illustrate the judiciary’s focus on providing rehabilitation opportunities for those involved, aiming to help them reintegrate into society.
As the legal proceedings on drug offenses continue, they demonstrate a commitment to addressing these issues while fostering reform. There is hope that with the right support, individuals impacted by such circumstances can transform their lives and contribute positively to their communities.
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