Airport worker in meth seizure to be sentenced in May [1]
Wednesday, April 3, 2019 - 18:03. Updated on Friday, May 14, 2021 - 16:26.
Samuela Fonua who pleaded guilty to possession in the seizure of 1.9 kilograms of methamphatamine at Fua’amotu International Airport last year will be sentenced on May 3.
The accused appeared on April 2 at the Supreme Court in Nuku’alofa where his summary of facts separate from that of a co-accused was submitted.
He was remanded in custody to be sentenced on possession of Class A drugs (methamphetamine).
Fonua who is from Tatakamotonga was reported to be a cleaner at the airport when committing this offence on May 8, 2018.
He was initially charged together with Viliami Mangisi, who has pleaded not guilty to his three counts of possession of Class A drugs (methamphetamine), attempted export of illicit drugs and failure to make declaration to Customs Officer.
Mangisi's case was adjourned to April 24 for call over to fix a trial date.
Police had seized the methamphetamine, with an estimated street value of around $2 million pa’anga, at the departure lounge in Fua’amotu International Airport.