Senior Customs Officer meth case adjourned [1]
Monday, August 12, 2019 - 19:21
Paula Naitoko (59) had his case adjourned for two-weeks after it was mentioned at the Fasi Magistrate’s Court on August 12.
The accused who remains on bail is represented by his counsel Sifa Tu’utafaiva.
Defence side had asked for the two-weeks to consider their position on whether or not they consent for the case to be submitted to the Supreme Court for trial.
The case was then adjourned.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court had only released the accused on bail on August 9, under very tough conditions.
He was arrested on April 23, after the seizure at the wharf of the illicit drugs, alleged to include 6.7 kilograms of methamphetamine, 625.29 grams of cannabis and 107.29 grams of cannabis oil, which were allegedly smuggled into Tonga in a shipment from the United States.
Also found were illegal firearms, an M4 assault rifle, two Glock pistols and a handgun with relevant ammunition.
He remains charged with nine counts that included engaging with others to import illicit drugs and abetting the importation of illegal firearms and ammunition.