A 57-year-old widow has been jailed for 10 years after being convicted of unlawful possession of illicit drugs, with the High Court stressing the serious harm caused by methamphetamine and the need for strong deterrence.
Lata (one name only) was arrested in February 2018 after she received a package from the USA that contained methamphetamine hidden inside a coffee bottle.
In sentencing, the court noted the accused was found in possession of 421.4 grams of methamphetamine, a quantity indicating involvement beyond personal use.
The court heard the woman, who is unemployed and survives on social welfare, is a first offender and suffers from multiple health conditions including diabetes and high blood pressure.
Despite these mitigating factors, the judge said the seriousness of the offence could not be overlooked.
“Methamphetamine is a highly addictive drug with devastating social consequences,” said Justice Sunil Sharma in his March 31 ruling.
“The court would be failing in its duty if it did not take into account the potential harm to individuals and families, as well as the wider impact on society.”
The court also highlighted the growing concern over drug-related offences in Fiji.
“There has been a notable increase in drug-related offences, which is a matter of grave concern,” the judge said.
In delivering the sentence, the judge made it clear that strong punishment was necessary to send a message.
“Society is weary of drug cases rearing their ugly head time and again, and this menace must be curtailed sooner rather than later,” the judge said.
“It is incumbent upon the court to impose sentences that serve both general and specific deterrence… no leniency will be extended to offenders.”
The court adopted a starting point of nine years imprisonment, which was increased due to aggravating factors including the quantity of drugs and evidence of planning.
After accounting for mitigation, the final sentence was set at 10 years, one month and 25 days imprisonment.
The judge said the sentence reflected the need to punish offenders and deter others from engaging in similar criminal activity.
