A SUVA LAWYER YESTERDAY PLEADED NOT GUILTY TO THE CHARGE OF BEING FOUND IN POSSESSION OF ILLICIT DRUGS.
Shazran Abdul Lateef appeared before Magistrate Liyanage Wickramasekara after a bench warrant was issued on October 2 when he failed to appear in court for his plea.
Aprominent Suva lawyer yesterday pleaded not guilty to the charge of being found in possession of illicit drugs. Shazran Abdul Lateef appeared before Magistrate Liyanage Wickramasekara after a bench warrant was issued on October 2 when he failed to appear in court for his plea. Defence lawyer Davenesh Sharma informed the court that Lateef had voluntarily surrendered after a bench warrant was issued. Mr Sharma said they had noted the plea to be taken on November 2 instead of October 2 as a result of miscommunication.
Mr Sharma apologised for Lateef and himself not being present in court and ensured the court that he and his client will always be present in all court sittings from now onwards.
Lateef was ordered by the court to sign a personal bond of $100 for not being present in court.
His bench warrant was also cancelled by the court.
Lateef, 57, is charged with one count of found being in possession of an illicit drug, namely methamphetamine. He pleaded not guilty to the charge.
It is alleged that on August 7, 2018, at about 6pm, a team of Police officers raided a Suva hotel after receiving a tip-off. The accused was allegedly found with 0.0136 grams of methamphetamine.
The matter was adjourned for a mention to check on the pre-trial conference matters and filing of proposed agreed facts before Magistrate Wickramasekara on October 25.