By Linny Folau
Two men were jailed for charges including possession of 0.60 grams of methamphetamine and utensils, after they were busted during a ping pong game in June this year. Two other co-accused received suspended sentences.
Lord Chief Justice Bishop sentenced the four men on 21 November at the Supreme Court in Nuku’alofa.
‘Inosi Tonga who pleaded guilty to possession of 0.60 grams of methamphetamine will be serving a total of 18 months in prison. He was sentenced to nine months imprisonment for the charge on this case, in addition to two other suspended sentences activated, resulting in the total sentence.
Pousima Vaioleti was sentenced to serve a total of nine months’ imprisonment. This includes three months sentence for this case, in which he pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of utensils namely three empty packs, with a suspended sentence of six months activated.
Semisi ‘Inisi, who pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of utensils of one smoking pipe and one part of a straw, was sentenced to three months imprisonment, fully suspended for two years on conditions.
Similarly, Vatikani Fifita pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of utensils of one smoking pipe, was sentenced to three months imprisonment, fully suspended for two years on conditions.
The LCJ stated that all were arrested following the execution of a search warrant on 10 June 2024, when some of them were playing ping-pong, others were standing by and some seated in a car near the ping-pong table. Some fled but were quickly recaptured and arrested.
“Let me say it once that the possession of quantities of methamphetamine even small quantities in the ordinary way will result in a custodial sentence. That has been the policy of this court for some years.
Methamphetamine is a scourge to society everywhere that has affected a great deal of harm and misery. The distribution and use of methamphetamine in Tonga is a significant government and community concern."
He stated that in prescribing a maximum penalty of 30 years' imprisonment, the Legislature has expressed a clear intention that significant penalties are to be imposed and therefore, those involved with methamphetamine in any capacity even of small amounts can expect to receive custodial sentences.
After considering sentencing comparables set out in the Crown sentencing submissions, the Lord Chief Justice took into account each defendant and sentenced them on the facts and circumstances applicable to each of them.
“In addition, I make the appropriate orders for the destruction of all illicit drugs and utensils in these proceedings and for all cash seized to be forfeited to the Crown, which amounted to $595 pa'anga, NZD$280 and AUD$220,” ordered the Lord Chief Justice.
