A lack of direct evidence continues to be a major challenge in prosecuting illegal cigarette and suki sales in Fiji, according to the Tobacco Community Enforcement Unit.
Unit manager Maleli Baleiwera said many offenders were able to avoid prosecution due to insufficient proof of transactions.
“Surveillance and enforcement operations are carried out monthly,” he said.
He said enforcement officers often faced difficulties securing cases strong enough to stand in court, particularly when suspects were alerted to their presence.
“The challenge is when it comes to prosecution, we need evidence.
“We need to actually witness the exchange of money and cigarettes before we can successfully take offenders to court.”
In many cases, he said illegal sellers would temporarily stop their activities when officers arrived on site, only to resume once enforcement teams left.
“When officers go to the location, people are warned and they stop selling cigarettes but when officers leave, they continue selling again.”
This pattern, he said, was making it difficult for authorities to build strong cases for prosecution, despite ongoing surveillance efforts.
He is urging members of the public to play a more active role in reporting illegal tobacco sales.
“We are asking members of the public if they see anyone selling cigarettes or suki illegally to come forward.”
He said witness statements were critical, as hearsay evidence alone could not be accepted in court.
“We need recorded statements, and we need witnesses who actually saw the transaction take place.”
Without credible witnesses, he said, many cases could not proceed through the legal system, allowing repeat offenders to continue.
