A Lautoka man who was found with 900 grams of methamphetamine and 25 grams of marijuana has been jailed for 13 years by the High Court in Lautoka.
A police raid on Shalend Reddy’s house on August 4, 2020, led to the discovery of the drugs and he was charged with two counts of unlawful possession of illicit drugs.
“The illicit drug offending has become a serious problem in Fiji. Higher quantities of hard drugs such as methamphetamine have been seized in recent years,” stated Justice Aruna Aluthge in his March 24 ruling.
“Deterrence is a legitimate sentencing purpose in the Sentencing and Penalties Act and the real-life experience tells us that it works for most people.
“In the context of methamphetamine sentencing, particularly relevant purposes include deterrence of the offender/other persons from committing similar offending and the protection of the community.
“There is no evidence that you are a user or an addict of the drug you were found in possession. The quantity and the manner in which the drugs had been packed and concealed suggest that you possessed the drug for commercial purpose.
“The drugs had been concealed in two airtight bags before being placed inside another bag which had been hidden in the bathroom.
“Illegal drug dealing is a lucrative business and those who are in this business have no regard to harm that is caused to the community at large.”
Justice Aluthge set a non-parole period of 11 years.