A 19-year-old man of Suva has been sentenced to nine months imprisonment by the Suva High Court.

Nelson Vakarorogo had pleaded guilty and was convicted to one count each of being in possession of illicit drugs and possessing property from proceeds of crime.

The court heard that on June 15, 2018, in Nasinu, Vakarorogo without lawful authority had in his possession 905.2 grams of illicit drugs namely marijuana.

On the same day, Vakarorogo possessed and concealed $3, 900 cash suspected to be proceeds of crime.

While sentencing, Judge Justice Chamath Morais says the drugs carried by the accused was for sale.

Justice Morais says drug offenses have increased and the sentence will send a stern warning to would-be offenders.