SELF-EMPLOYED businessman Imran Khan’s appeal against his conviction and sentence for possession of methamphetamine was called for the first time before the High Court in Suva this afternoon. The matter came before Justice Pita Bulamainaivalu this afternoon with the parties awaiting the court records to be furnished before the appeal proceeds. Khan, represented by lawyer Shayal Kant of Crown Law, filed Criminal Appeal No. 54 of 2026 on July 6, seeking an order setting aside his conviction and sentence or, alternatively, substituting the custodial sentence with a non-custodial penalty.
Khan was sentenced on June 30 by Magistrate Yogesh Prasad to four years and three months’ imprisonment, with a non-parole period of three years, after he was convicted of possessing 4.1364 grams of methamphetamine. The drugs were allegedly concealed in a modified water bottle inside his vehicle in 2023.
The appeal contains 30 grounds challenging the fairness of the trial process, the handling of evidence and the severity of the sentence imposed. One of the key issues raised by the defence concerns motor vehicle registration IV 991. The defence argues that the prosecution failed to produce critical documentary evidence, including Land Transport Authority records, to establish Khan’s ownership or exclusive control of the vehicle.
The defence has also challenged the Magistrate’s refusal to reopen the case after judgment was delivered, following an application based on what it described as new and material evidence. It argues that the refusal resulted in procedural unfairness and a miscarriage of justice.
The appeal further contends that the sentence imposed was manifestly excessive in the circumstances of the case. Khan will also file, through Kant, an application for bail pending the determination of his appeal. The matter has been adjourned to September 28.
