THE case against the General Manager (GM) of the Solomon Islands Tobacco Company Limited (SITCO), Darren John Corby, who allegedly breached the Tobacco Act, has been adjourned to March 17.
On that day, the prosecution will confirm its position regarding a letter from Corby’s lawyer Silverio Lepe of Sol-law.
The letter contains a proposal received by Public Prosecutor Jonathan Auga.
However, according to Auga’s colleague Jeremy Oiofa, who appeared on his instruction yesterday, Auga is awaiting a response from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on a memo about the contents of the letter.
The prosecution is expected to confirm its stance on the letter at the next court date.
Full disclosures have already been served on the defence counsel.
Corby faces one count of Restriction on Advertisement of Tobacco Product, contrary to section 4 of the Tobacco Control Act 2010.
The allegation against Corby arose from a SITCO product launch event held at the Cowboy’s Grill Bar and Restaurant, Kukum, Honiara, on 31 August 2024.
During the event, company officers allegedly made a presentation and promotional staff conducted activities, including a slide presentation and video footage highlighting the key features of Pall Mall Blast, a new SITCO product.
The presentation allegedly focused on the unique qualities of Pall Mall Blast, particularly its berry menthol flavour capsule, which distinguishes it from other tobacco products in the market.
A video footage showed the setting of the launch event, including promotional materials such as banners and promotional cigarette boxes displaying the new brand package inside the restaurant.
The Tobacco Control Act 2010 prohibits advertising or promotion of any tobacco product.
On 10 December 2024, Corby was invited to go to the National Criminal Investigation Department at the Rove Police Headquarters where the allegations were put to him and he was subsequently charged.
Public Prosecutor Jeremy Oiofa appeared for the Crown on instructions of his colleague, Jonathan Auga.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
