100 days in jail for selling loose cigarette rolls
Health ministry warns of strict penalties, urges compliance.
Sunday 31 August 2025 | 02:00
A tobacco seller has been jailed for 100 days after failing to pay a $1,500 fine for illegally selling loose cigarette rolls.
The Nausori Magistrates Court handed down the sentence following a targeted operation in the Central Division by the Ministry of Health’s Tobacco Enforcement Unit and the Fiji Police Force.
The Ministry of Health is warning the public that breaching tobacco laws carries serious penalties.
Under the Tobacco Control Act 2010, the sale of loose cigarette rolls is prohibited.
"We encourage all Fijians to contribute to upholding health and safety regulations," the ministry said in a statement on Thursday. "Please report those illegally selling loose cigarette rolls."
Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations, Kasiano Vusonilawe, said the health ministry was leading enforcement with police providing support.
"Enforcement is underway, but we have to follow up on the current response to these challenges," he said.
