The 8 people who were arrested for allegedly drinking yaqona in a grog shop in Nabua appeared in the Suva Magistrates Court this afternoon.
67-year-old Shafiq Ali, 64-year-old Mohammed Maulana Shah, 54-year-old Leonard Vishnu Deo, 69-year-old Sakeo Vuli, 53-year-old Mesake Koroi, 30-year-old Litia Lolohea, 24-year-old Laisani Vakatale and 27-year-old Kalesi Samanunu are charged with failure to comply with order under the Public Health Act.
It is alleged that they were drinking yaqona in Nabua on the 4th of April at about 6.45pm.
They have been granted bail by Magistrate Seini Puamau.
Magistrate Puamau asked the police prosecution whether apart from stupidity, the 8 people pose any threat to the community to which the prosecutor said that they do not pose any other threat.
They have been granted bail under strict conditions and $1000 cash surety.
They must attend court for every mention and trial and they must not reoffend or interfere in the state’s case.
The 8 people charged should also provide a fixed address and stay there and they are also not allowed to change their address without getting a permission from court first.
The case has been adjourned to the 23rd July.
