THREE drug farmers were sentenced by the Suva Magistrates Court yesterday.
Their sentences ranged from three and eight months to one year and 11 months.
Avaitia Drivationo, 27, Anitelu Tavanavanua, 29, and Josese Auta, 35, appeared before Chief Magistrate Usaia Ratuvili charged with a count each of unlawful cultivation of illicit drugs.
Drivationo of Daku Village, Naceva, in Kadavu cultivated 55 plants of marijuana, weighing 2.1 kilograms. Tavanavanua of Naivakarauniniu cultivated 41 plants weighing 299.6 grams. While Auta, who is also from Daku Village planted 101 plants, weighing 42.5kg.
In mitigation, the court heard that Drivationo's wife was pregnant. Mr Ratuvili in his sentencing said Drivationo told the court that while he planted dalo and yaqona, they did not bring the same cash as marijuana, which was why he started cultivating the illicit drug.
Drivationo had sought the court's forgiveness and asked for a suspended sentence. Tavanavanua in his mitigation told the court that he was married with two children and planted marijuana for income. Auta had told the court that he planted the drugs to construct his house.
Mr Ratuvili sentenced Drivatinono to two years 11 months and 22 days imprisonment, Tavanavanua was handed a jail term of one year, 11 months and 22 days, while Auta received a sentence of three years, eight months and 22 days imprisonment.