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)}}{\*\pnseclvl9\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12353299 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid12353299 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI \par AT SUVA \par APPELLATE JURISDICTION \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12353299 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid12353299 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12353299 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid12353299 CRIMINAL APPEAL NO: HAA0}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12353299\charrsid12353299 0}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid12353299 37 OF 2003S \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12353299 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid12353299 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12353299 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid12353299 Between:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12353299\charrsid12353299 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12353299 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12353299\charrsid12353299 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12353299 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid12353299 TOMASI NAUDREUDRE \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid12353299 Appellant \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12353299 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid12353299 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12353299 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid12353299 And:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12353299\charrsid12353299 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12353299 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12353299\charrsid12353299 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12353299 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid12353299 STATE \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid12353299 Respondent \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4195719 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid4195719 \par Hearing:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12353299 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid4195719 12th September 2003 \par Judgment:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12353299 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid4195719 19th September 2003 \par \par Counsel:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12353299 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid4195719 Appellant in Person \par Mr. N. Lajendra for State \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12353299 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid12353299 JUDGMENT \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4195719 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid4195719 \par This is an appeal against a sentence of 5 years imprisonment imposed by the Suva Magistrates\rquote Court on the 22nd of November 2002 for the following charge: \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12353299 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid12353299 Statement of Offence \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4195719 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid4195719 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12353299 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid4195719 FOUND IN POSSESSION OF DANGEROUS DRUGS}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid4195719 :}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12353299 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid4195719 Contrary to section 8(b) of Dangerous Drugs Act Cap 114 as amended by Dangerous Drug Act (Amendment) Decree Number 4 of 1990 and Dangerous Drug Act (Amendment) Decree Number 1 of 1991. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4195719 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid4195719 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12353299 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid12353299 Particulars of Offence \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4195719 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid4195719 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12353299 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid4195719 TOMASI NAUDREUDRE and SEVULONI NABORISI, on the 21st day of November 2002 at Suva in the Central Division, were found in possession of 920.7 grams of Dangerous Drugs, namely Indian Hemp. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4195719 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid4195719 \par The grounds of appeal are that inadequate weight was put on previous good character and the plea of guilty and that the Appellant was unaware that the parcel he was asked to deliver contained marijuana. \par \par The Appellant was charged with a co-accused.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12353299 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid4195719 They both pleaded guilty.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12353299 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid4195719 The facts were that the Appellant, who was a carpenter of Drasa, Vitogo, was arrested when he was found in possession of 920.7 grams of marijuana.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12353299 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid4195719 He was interviewed under caution and he told the police that he and his co-accused had loaded the drugs into a taxi because they wanted to sell it on the road.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12353299 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid4195719 The drugs were taken to the Koronivia Research Station where the Government Analyst confirmed that they were marijuana leaves weighing 920.7 grams. \par \par These facts were admitted by the Appellant.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12353299 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid4195719 He told the Court: \par \par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12353299 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid4195719 \'93 I admit the 920.7 grams of Indian hemp was mine and I had it in my possession.}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12353299 }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid4195719 I brought it from Nadroga to Suva to sell it in Suva.\'94 \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4195719 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid4195719 \par In mitigation the Appellant said he was 38 years old and was married with one child.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12353299 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid4195719 He said that although he knew that selling drugs was illegal \'93it is very hard to find money these days.\'94}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12353299 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid4195719 He was a first offender.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12353299 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid4195719 He asked for forgiveness. \par \par The Court said that the offence was serious and carried a minimum sentence of 5 years imprisonment.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12353299 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid4195719 He sentenced both accused to 5 years imprisonment. \par \par There is no doubt, and State counsel concedes, that the High Court in }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid4195719 Harris Ramswaroop \endash v- State}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid4195719 HAA0} {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12353299 014.20}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid4195719 01L decided that all minimum mandatory terms provided for under the Dangerous Drugs Decree No. 4 of 1990, are invalid and unconstitutional.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12353299 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid4195719 In that case Prakash J said, at page 25: \par \par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12353299 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid4195719 \'93 In considering the Constitution and especially the Bill of Rights provisions it is clear that the provisions of the Dangerous Drugs Act (Amendment) Decrees contravene certain provisions of the Constitution.}{ \b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12353299 }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid4195719 In particular, the mandatory sentencing provisions breach the separation of powers doctrine, contained in section 117(1) of the Constitution, and the independence of the judiciary vis-\'e0-vis the legislative and executive branches as per section 118 of the Constitution.}{ \b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12353299 }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid4195719 The setting of pre-determ ined mandatory sentences further breach the right to a fair trial before a court of law (section 29(1)) and the right to equality before the law (section 38(1)).\'94 \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4195719 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid4195719 \par In that case, the appellant was found in possession of 524.6 grams of marijuana and there was an admission of the intended sale of the drugs.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12353299 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid4195719 In }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid4195719 Tukai Taura \endash v- The State}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid4195719 Crim. App. HAA}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12353299 0}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid4195719 103 and 104 of 2002S, the appellant was found in possession of 490.9 grams of marijuana.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12353299 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid4195719 In }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid4195719 Harris Ramswaroop}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid4195719 , a sentence of 5 years imprisonment was quashed and a sentence of 2\'bd years imprisonment was substituted.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12353299 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid4195719 In }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid4195719 Tukai Taura}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid4195719 , I upheld a 3 year term of imprisonment. \par \par In the absence of the minimum mandatory terms, it is now for the courts to set tariffs for being in possession of dangerous drugs.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12353299 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid4195719 Such tariffs must cover a range of sentences appropriate for the least culpable offenders to the highly culpable.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12353299 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid4195719 Further the maximum term imposed by the Decree has not been struck down.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12353299 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid4195719 It is 20 years imprisonment, and it is an indication of how seriously the courts ought to look at the cases of those who are found in possession of more than 500 grams of marijuana.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12353299 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid4195719 In that context, }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid4195719 Harris Ramswaroop}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid4195719 and }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid4195719 Tukai Taura}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid4195719 who were both found in possession of smaller amounts than this Appellant, are not comparable to this case. \par \par The Appellant was in possession of almost 1000 grams and admitted his intention to sell the marijuana.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12353299 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid4195719 In the light of these admissions to the Magistrates\rquote Court, his submission on appeal that he did not know what the parcel contained, cannot be accepted. \par \par The growing, sale and trafficking of marijuana in Fiji, have become a matter of great concern to the community.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12353299 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid4195719 One will never know how many school children, with promising lives, would have become this Appellant\rquote s customers.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12353299 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid4195719 Nor will one know how many lives would have been destroyed because the Appellant chose to make a living from the sale of marijuana.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12353299 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid4195719 However, this is clearly a case in which neither previous good character, nor the guilty plea could have saved the Appellant from a substantial period of imprisonment. \par \par An appropriate starting point for the possession of 500 grams or more of marijuana is 7 years imprisonment.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12353299 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid4195719 In this case after reduction for the guilty plea and good character a sentence of 5 years imprisonment is quite appropriate.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12353299 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid4195719 I cannot agree that it is harsh or excessive although the learned Magistrate did err when he said that he had no discretion to impose less than 5 years imprisonment. \par \par For these reasons this appeal is dismissed. \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12353299 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid12353299 Nazhat Shameem \par JUDGE \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4195719 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid4195719 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12353299 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid12353299 At Suva \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4195719 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2383060\charrsid4195719 19th September 2003 \par }}