A PROMINENT lawyer charged with one count of possession of illicit drugs has been granted bail by the Suva Magistrates Court.
Shazran Abdul Lateef appeared before Magistrate Asanga Bodaragama yesterday.
It is alleged Mr Lateef had in his possession 1.2 grams of Indian hemp on Saturday at Raiwaqa, Suva.
Mr Lateef pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Police prosecutor objected to bail on the grounds that the accused had a pending case of similar nature before the Magistrates Court.
The prosecution also informed the court that while on bail for the previous offence, Mr Lateef had allegedly reoffended and there was a likelihood the accused would commit offences of similar nature if released on bail.
The court heard the accused had no other previous convictions.
Defence lawyer Filimoni Vosarogo informed the court there was nothing in his client’s previous bail conditions that stated that he should not reoffend while on bail.
Magistrate Asanga Bodaragama granted the accused bail on $2000 cash and $5000 personal bail bond.
He advised the accused not to reoffend and not to interfere with police witnesses.
He also issued a stop departure order for Mr Lateef.
The case has been adjourned to September 4.
