A 26-year-old gardener yesterday was ordered to pay $100 fine for unlawful possession of illicit drugs by the Suva Magistrates Court.

Filipe Ledua appeared before Magistrate Jioji Boseiwaqa in a special court sitting.

He was convicted and fined for one count of unlawful possession of illicit drugs.

On November 16, 2018, in Suva, Ledua without lawful authority possessed 2.8 grams of cannabis sativa, an illicit drugs. He was found in possession of the drugs at the Suva Court house, hiding the drugs in his underpants.

Police prosecutor Corporal Sanil Kumar informed the court that Ledua had five previous convictions and sought the court’s conviction.

Ledua had pleaded guilty to the charge and was remorseful of his conduct. He had sought a non-custodial sentence and promised not to reoffend.

Magistrate Boseiwaqa fined Ledua of $100 and informed him that if he defaulted in his fine then he will have to serve  10 days in jail.

The matter was adjourned to January 10 for check on the fine payment.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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