A taxidriver has been sentenced to 14 months in prison after being convicted of possessing 0.133 grams of methamphetamine in Sigatoka. Atish Chand Naicker, 29, entered a guilty plea for unlawful possession of illicit drugs, an offense committed on July 30 of last year.
Court documents reveal that Naicker was found with a clear plastic bag containing white crystals, which were later confirmed to be methamphetamine. As law enforcement approached, Naicker attempted to discard the bag in a bid to evade detection. However, he was apprehended and during a subsequent police interview, he admitted to purchasing the drugs from a known dealer in Cuvu, Sigatoka.
In a display of remorse, Naicker expressed his wish for the court’s forgiveness and vowed to refrain from reoffending. Nonetheless, Magistrate Joseph Daurewa emphasized the need for a deterrent message to potential offenders, noting the increasing rates of methamphetamine possession in the community. He stated, “I do not see any special circumstance to suspend this sentence,” underscoring the serious nature of drug offenses.
This case highlights ongoing challenges in curbing drug-related activities, a concern that authorities continue to face in many communities. The firm sentencing serves as a reminder of the judicial system’s commitment to addressing drug-related crimes.