Samuela Hafoka (33) has been charged with possession of cannabis, an illicit drug, that he allegedly tried to smuggle into cells at the Central Police Station.

The cannabis was found hidden in the food that the accused delivered to the Central Police Station.

Chief Superintendent Tevita Fifita said on Thursday night, 10 September the accused had brought food for his brother Tevita Halelima Hafoka (25) of Kolofo’ou, who was detained.

He said when the police searched the food brought for the prisoner they found a small plastic pack of cannabis leaves smuggled underneath the food.

When the police officers found the cannabis they saw the accused had already disappeared. “We have since arrested and charged him,” he said.

Fifita said family members can bring food for those detained in prison. “But we want to warn them that food will be thoroughly searched at the station,” he said.

Tevita Hafoka was charged with the murder of a 24-year-old soldier in a stabbing incident on 11 July this year in the Central Business District.

He is detained in police custody waiting on a court appearance.