FORMER lawyer Shazran Lateef has been handed a 20-month aggregate prison sentence by the Suva Magistrates Court for unlawful possession of illicit drugs.
Lateef, 65, was sentenced by magistrate Joseph Daurewa after being convicted of two counts of unlawful possession of illicit drugs, stemming from an August 13, 2021, police vehicle interception that uncovered 1.81 grams of methamphetamine and 1.0 gram of cannabis sativa.
Declining a suspended sentence, the court emphasised that deterrence remains necessary for hard drug offences, regardless of quantity or personal circumstances.
The court cited Lateef’s status as a senior lawyer with over 30 years of experience as an aggravating factor, noting the high expectations placed on legal professionals.
In mitigation, the court acknowledged his recent stroke, struggles with drug addiction, commitment to rehabilitation, police cooperation, guilty plea, remorse, and request for forgiveness.
Magistrate Daurewa ordered the 20-month term to run concurrently with any existing prison sentence Lateef is serving. An order was also issued for the destruction of the seized substances within 28 days.
