A 37-year-old Cakaudrove farmer charged with unlawful cultivation of cannabis sativa, was sentenced to seven years imprisonment by the Labasa High Court.

He will have to serve  a minimum term of five years.

Ilisavani Koroitamana appeared before Justice Paul Madigan yesterday.

The court heard that between August 1, 2017 and October 9, 2017 at Naqilo, Tacilevu, Cakaudrove province in the Northern Division, without lawful authority, Koroitamana cultivated 462 plants of cannabis sativa, an illicit drug, weighing a total of 7.6 kilograms.

Judge Madigan said although the accused did not plead guilty until the day of the trial, he did indicate to the magistrate when first appearing that he was guilty and asked for forgiveness.

He added Koroitamana voluntarily surrendered himself to the Police when he heard that his farm had been raided and exhibits seized.

He is single and has no previous convictions.

He will serve five years before he is eligible for parole.

Edited by Percy Kean

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