Two men, Siaosi Kadivuka Amanoni and Semi Vete Jr, appeared in the Nuku'alofa Supreme this week charged with the importation of 14 kilograms of marijuana to Tonga from Fiji in 2003.

Siaosi Amanoni is charged with the import of marijuana, and Semi Vete Jr is charged with abetment to the importation of the marijuana.

It is alleged that on or about June-July of 2003 Siaosi unlawfully imported the marijuana into the Kingdom of Tonga. The accused, whose father is Fijian, was said to be in Fiji at the time. He packed the marijuana into one suitcase and also into four cans of breakfast crackers and put them on the MV Fangaafa, a ferry that was set to sail to Tonga from Fiji. The cargo was addressed Joe Ramanlal Jr, whose mother is one of the owners of the ferry.

Semi, who is alleged to have known all along that Siaosi was importing the marijuana to Tonga, was at the airport to meet Siaosi when he arrived from Fiji on July 15. Semi also informed Joe Ramanlal Jr that he had cargo on the ferry.

The court was told that the Tongan Police who were tipped off by their Fijian counter parts about the marijuana shipment, were waiting at the wharf for the arrival of the Fangaafa on July 17, 2003.

The trial by a jury, made up of five men and two women, is presided over by Chief Justice Robin Webster and started on February 1 and is expected to rununtil next week. Crown counsel, Linda Simiki is expected to call about 21 witnesses. Legal counsel for Siaosi Amanoni is Siosifa Tu'utafaiva, and Semi Vete Jr is represented by Nalesoni Tupou.