Habitual offender jailed

A habitual offender was jailed eight months for being in possession of marijuana leaves.

Taione Meli, 29, was reprimanded by Magistrate Shageeth Somaratne who said that the court was not going to be lenient on repeat offenders.

Magistrate Somaratne said: “You have been given a fine and suspended sentence by the courts but it appears that you are not prepared to grab the chances given by the court.

“To deviate from a tariff, there needs to be good reasons and in this case, I do not find any of that.”

Meli was charged with possession of illicit drugs and he has had 10 previous convictions, from which four are for similar offences.

On March 4 at Holland Street, in Suva, Police officers stopped a private vehicle with five men, including Meli, who tried to hide his bag.

When the Police officer checked Meli’s bag, they founds 107.3 grams of cannabis sativa (marijuana).

Meli had pleaded guilty to the charge.

JESSICA SAVIKE

Edited by Caroline Ratucadra

Kumar admits
abduction charge

A 19-year-old soccer player of the Suva team pleaded guilty to an abduction charge at the Nasinu Magistrates Court yesterday.

The case was called before Magistrate Charles Ratakele who has advised defence lawyer, Patrick Kumar to file his client’s mitigation before the sentencing on March 27.

Ivan Kumar is charged with one count of abduction of a young person.

On September 5 last year at Nasinu, Kumar took out two female students from Rishkul Sanatan College to McDonald’s Suva against the will of their parents.

The state prosecution was represented by Police prosecutor, Corporal Pauliasa Lutunauga.

Kumar’s bail was extended.

The case was adjourned to March 27 for sentencing.

JESSICA SAVIKE

Edited by Caroline Ratucadra

Student in custody

for alleged drug find

An 18-year-old Labasa student is in Police custody after he was allegedly found in possession of dried leaves believed to be marijuana.

This was confirmed by Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro yesterday.

“On Monday (March 6) afternoon at the LabasaSangam College compound, an 18-year-old student was seen by some students allegedly in possession of some dried leaves and reported the matter to the school principal,” Ms Naisoro said.

“He (the student) was searched by Police and dried leaves believed to be marijuana were found in his possession.

“He is in custody as investigations continue and the drugs are being analysed.” JESSICA SAVIKE

Edited by Caroline Ratucadra