Former lawyer Shazran Lateef has been handed a prison sentence of three years and eight months after being found guilty of two counts of unlawful possession of illicit drugs. The sentencing took place at the Suva Magistrates Court, where Magistrate Shageeth Somaratne imposed a penalty of 44 months’ imprisonment, with a non-parole period set at 30 months.
The case stems from an incident on May 9, 2019, when Lateef was discovered with 9.5 grams of methamphetamine and 3.5 grams of marijuana at a hotel in Suva. Witness Asenaca Balekatuba testified that she received a call from Lateef, which prompted her to visit his hotel room. During her visit, Lateef displayed a zip-lock bag containing methamphetamine just before law enforcement arrived to conduct a search, leading to the seizure of the drugs and associated items.
This case serves as a reminder of the legal consequences associated with drug possession and reinforces the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat drug-related offenses in the region. The ruling emphasizes the justice system’s commitment to addressing the issue of illicit substances and upholding the rule of law.
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