To combat illegal tobacco sales in the country, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Fiji Police Force and the Suva Health Office, has intensified enforcement under the Tobacco Control Act 2010.
The Ministry says this has resulted in one offender serving a 30-day sentence in Korovou Prison, and two others paying fines of $1,016.35 each.
They say the Tobacco Control Enforcement team issued seven committal warrants, collecting $6,581.80 in fines, and handed out 13 Tobacco Infringement Notices to sellers violating regulations by selling tobacco in small, illegal quantities, generating an estimated $13,000 in revenue.
Their crackdown continued from September 17th to the 21st, during which they issued 11 additional committal warrants.
One offender was sentenced to 30 days in Korovou Prison, while two others paid fines of $1,016.35 each.
A further 12 Tobacco Infringement Notices were issued, collecting $12,000 in fines.
These penalties were imposed for breaches under the Tobacco Control Act 2010, including selling cigarettes in small amounts, lacking proper licenses, and selling tobacco to underage youths.
The Ministry of Health reminds everyone to comply with the Act for the health and safety of the community and adhere to the law to help create a healthier Fiji.
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