Lami man jailed for selling drugs to youths to buy booze

A Lami Town Council worker who sold drugs to buy alcohol was sentenced to prison by the Suva Magistrate Court today.

In passing sentence, Resident Magistrate Yogesh Prasad warned drug peddlers that the courts will show no mercy if they are found guilty.

Marika Magita was charged with possession of marijuana and $186, suspected to be proceeds of crime.

He pleaded guilty to the charges, admitting he was selling drugs to fund his drinking.

Court records reveal that on October 3, police officers observed Magita and a group of youths acting suspiciously at Tikaram Park in Lami.

A search was conducted, and nine sachets of dried leaves, later confirmed to be marijuana, were found wrapped in aluminum foil, along with $186 in cash.

Magistrate Prasad told the accused that selling drugs to youths for beer is an abhorrent act that warrants an immediate custodial sentence,”

He classified Magita as a drug pusher, noting that he was supplying drugs to youths in the Lami area.

Magita was handed a one-year jail term.