Lateef’s bail pending appeal application denied and dismissed

Suva High Court Judge, Justice Pita Bulamainaivalu has denied and dismissed the bail pending appeal application for drug convict and former Suva lawyer Shazran Abdul Lateef. Lateef was appealing his conviction and sentence for unlawful possession of methamphetamine. During the hearing, Lateef stated that the person who was with him when he was found with the drugs in the room was an accomplice but was never charged and was instead made a State witness. The former lawyer said the prosecution failed to corroborate the evidence of this witness.

He further argued that the sentence was harsh as he is a first-time offender. In response, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions lawyer Shaheen Bibi said the sentence is neither harsh nor unreasonable as he was convicted on two counts. Lateef is currently serving a sentence of three years and eight months after being found in possession of 9.5 grams of methamphetamine and 3.5 grams of marijuana. The matter has been adjourned to the 10th of July for appeal hearing.