A bench warrant has been issued for Apenisa Naiyalatabua after he failed to appear in the Suva Magistrates Court after being charged with one count of selling tobacco in small quantities.
Naiyalatabua, did not appear before Magistrate Yogesh Prasad this morning.
Magistrate Prasad told a Ministry of Health official that more effective enforcement measures are needed, as in this cause the accused's location is unknown.
He says the execution of warrants in such cases becomes extremely difficult for police officers.
Magistrate Prasad also highlighted the harmful effects of tobacco, saying cigarettes contribute significantly to health problems and place a heavy burden on the Ministry of Health's budget.
A Health Ministry official informed the court that Naiyalatabua was allegedly selling cigarettes during this year's Coca-Cola Games.
Magistrate Prasad stresses that the Ministry needs to go hard and harsh for deterrence.
In a separate matter, Kalokalo Radinieceliema's case for smoking in a public place was closed today after paying a $200 fine.
