Woman, 57, jailed 10 years for meth possession

A 57-year-old woman has been sentenced to 10 years, one month and 25 days’ imprisonment by the High Court in Lautoka for possession of 421.4 grams of methamphetamine.

Justice Sunil Sharma handed down the sentence after Lata was convicted following a Magistrate’s Court trial.

The court heard that on February 28, 2018, a parcel from the United States addressed to Lata arrived in Lautoka. Inside the carton were four bottles of coffee.

Customs officers found six packets of white crystalline powder concealed in three of the bottles. Tests later confirmed it was methamphetamine.

Lata collected the parcel using her ID card and signed for it. Police, who were waiting, arrested her immediately.

She pleaded not guilty, but after hearing evidence from five prosecution witnesses and Lata herself, the Magistrate found her guilty on December 12, 2025. The case was then referred to the High Court for sentencing.

In mitigation, Lata’s lawyer said she was a first-time offender, a widow with no children, unemployed and living on social welfare. She also suffers from diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney problems.

Justice Sharma placed the offence in the third category of the sentencing tariff for hard drugs, covering quantities between 250g and 500g.

He started with nine years, added three years for aggravating factors, the large quantity suggesting commercial supply, planning in hiding the drugs, and the harm meth causes to society, then reduced the sentence for Lata’s good character and time already served in remand.

A non-parole period of eight years was set, meaning Lata must serve at least eight years before being eligible for parole.

Justice Sharma said methamphetamine is highly addictive and destructive, harming individuals, families and the wider community.

He stressed the need to send a strong message that such offences will not be tolerated.

He also recommended that prison authorities provide proper medical care for Lata’s health conditions.

Lata has 30 days to appeal to the Court of Appeal.