Viliami Mangisi pleaded not guilty today to charges relating to the seizure of 1.9 kilos of methamphetamine in the departure lounge at Fua’amotu International Airport last year.

The 59-year-old Tongan who holds an American passort pleaded not guilty to three counts of possession of Class A drugs (methamphetamine), attempted export of illicit drugs and failure to make declaration to Customs Officer. 

Hon Mr Justice Cato adjourned this matter to April 24 for call over to fix a trial date, at the Supreme Court in Nuku'alofa.

The accused who currently lives in Tatakamotonga remains on bail under strict conditions.

He is charged in the seizure of the methamphetamine with an estimated street value of around $2 million pa’anga, which it is alleged he tried to export from Tonga to New Zealand on May 8, 2018.

Guilty plea

Meanwhile, his co-accused Samuela Fonua pleaded guilty to one count of possession of Class A drugs (methamphatamine). 

The judge adjourned his matter to April 2 for submission of separate facts for sentencing.

Fonua who is also from Tatakamotonga was reported to be a cleaner at the airport when committing this offence.

Initially on bail, he was remanded in custody after entering his guilty plea.

The duo first appeared at the Supreme Court on March 18, after their case was committed from the Magistrate's Court.