A 27-year-old man charged with one count of failure to comply with orders of curfew under the Public Health Act has been fined $200 by the Suva Magistrate Court for buying a packet of cigarettes.

It is alleged that Samabula resident Masikesa Tomu left his home during the curfew to purchase a packet of cigarettes.

Police Prosecutor Sergeant Ravi Kumar told the court that a severe fine of $2,000 is warranted as the crime is of a serious nature.

He also told the court that the state is incurring a huge cost to maintain law.

Chief Magistrate Usaia Ratuvili has ordered Tomu to pay the fine of $200 within a month and if he is unable to do so, he will be imprisoned for 20 days.

He also told Tomu that a packet of cigarettes has now cost him $200.

The case has been adjourned to the 23th of June.

In a separate case, Samabula resident, 25-year-old Lui Naiyaku has been found guilty as he is charged with one count of failure to comply with orders of curfew under the Public Health Act.

He was standing on Lakeba Street during the hours of the curfew.

Naiyaku has also been ordered to pay a fine of $200 within a month and if unable to do so, he will be imprisoned for 20 days.

The case has been adjourned to the 23rd of June.

Meanwhile, 42 people were produced in the Suva Magistrates Court today for not adhering to laws in relation to COVID-19.