Sione Filipe Jr. held in custody [1]
Monday, July 29, 2019 - 16:53
Sione Filipe Jr remains in police custody after appearing at the Fasi Magistrate’s Court today, July 29.
The accused was ordered to be further detained until July 30, when he is expected to be released on bail.
His counsel, William Edwards Jr., who applied for the accused to be released on bail today, strongly opposed his further detainment, stating that the evidence against his client is weak and there is no reason for police to further detain him.
In relation to the bribery charge relating to a police officer, the accused had never met this person, said Edwards.
Police Prosecutor Fifita said they had opposed the bail application because the accused, who was first arrested for illicit drugs in April, violated his bail conditions when he committed the recent offences.
However with the Crown's consent, they accepted for another bail hearing tomorrow, July 30, when he is expected to be released.
The hearing of the case was adjourned to October 7 to allow time for documents to be filed.
Arrest
On July 15, Tonga Police arrested Filipe Jr. for the second time, and charged him with possession of illciit drugs and bribing a police officer.
This was after having been charged with possession of illicit drugs relating to the seizure of 242 grams of cannabis seeds brought into Tonga, at Fua’amotu International Airport in March.
In addition over 85 grams of cannabis liquid was seized with an illegal firearm and ammunition at his home in Tofoa, during a search warrant.