Self-employed businessman Imran Khan, also known as King Khan, has been sentenced to four years and three months imprisonment by the Suva Magistrates Court.

Khan was convicted of possessing 4.1364 grams of methamphetamine.

The court imposed a non-parole period of three years.

The methamphetamine was found by police in Khan’s vehicle.

While delivering the sentence, Magistrate Yogesh Prasad says the custodial sentence sends a strong message to drug offenders.

He adds that the court is mindful of ongoing efforts by police to curb the growing problem of hard drugs in the country.

Defence lawyer Shayal Kant had asked the court to consider a suspended sentence, citing Khan’s responsibilities as a father of five, his family obligations and health issues.

However, State Counsel Bhavna Kantharia argued that a term of imprisonment was appropriate.

Khan has 28 days to lodge an appeal against his sentence.