Meth offenders will be imprisoned, warns judge [1]
Friday, August 10, 2018 - 17:03
John Thorn Ngaue (29) was sentenced to three-years and six-months imprisonment for possession of methamphetamine and cannabis, seized at a home in Kolomotu'a in 2017.
Hon. Mr Justice Cato during sentencing on August 2, suspended the final nine-months of his sentence on strict conditions, after considering his guilty plea and professed remorse.
The Supreme Court heard that methamphetamine weighing 14.5 grams, 43.89 grams of cannabis and $1831.80 cash were seized by police, during a search warrant executed at the home he rented on June 1, 2017.
"This judgement will serve as a warning to those who engage in Tonga with the drug methamphetamine, whether it be for possession only of small amounts or larger amounts, trafficking or supplying it to others, manufacturing, importing, exporting or dealing in any way with this extremely dangerous and addictive drug that the courts will sentence offenders to severe punishment."
He said even for possession of small amounts, offenders can expect to be sentenced to terms of imprisonment.
The methamphetamine is plainly the more serious offending. It has become more noticeable in recent times, that methamphetamine is featuring more commonly in these courts.
"The drug has the potential to cause society in Tonga immense damage. This court, like others elsewhere, will impose severe penalties on those who engage with this drug to deter this kind of offending and to protect Tongan society from the ravages of it."
On the cannabis count, the judge sentenced him to 18-months which is being serviced concurrently with the meth charge, and backdated to when he was remanded in custody.
The prsioner who is not a first time offender had previous convictions for possession of illicit drugs, housebreaking and assault.