King Khan faces sentence next week

Imran Khan, widely known as King Khan, will learn his fate next Tuesday when the Suva Magistrate Court delivers his sentence for unlawful possession of illicit drugs. Khan appeared before Magistrate Yogesh Prasad, with Bhavna Kantaria representing the state and Shyal Kant defending Khan.

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the punishment must reflect deterrence for drug-related offences.

The prosecution is pushing for a custodial sentence, arguing that the punishment must serve as a deterrent for drug-related offenses. Kantaria highlighted that the maximum penalty for drug possession includes life imprisonment, a fine of up to $1 million, or both. She stressed that drugs pose a significant threat to society and urged the court to show no leniency, even with small quantities, to send a strong deterrent message.

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drugs remain a major threat to society.

The State further argued that Khan displayed a clear disregard for the law, noting that the drugs were concealed in the base of a water bottle, which they presented as an aggravating factor, citing a High Court ruling. The prosecution also pointed out that packaging can be treated as an aggravating factor in sentencing.

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the prosecution also highlighted that the maximum penalty for drug possession is life imprisonment, a fine of up to $1 million, or both.

In contrast, Khan's lawyer pleaded for a suspended sentence. He urged the court to consider Khan's personal circumstances, including his role as the sole breadwinner for five children and his elderly parents. The defense also raised concerns about Khan's health, mentioning diabetes and heart-related illnesses, and argued for rehabilitation to be a key consideration in the sentencing.

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Khan’s lawyer has asked for a suspended sentence.