Vaha Palei (32) was sentenced to two-years nine-months imprisonment for possession of 20.4 grams methamphetamine, seized during a Police search at Te'ekiu.

Hon. Mr Justice Cato on August 9 at the Supreme Court, sentenced him to four-years three-months at Hu'atolitoli Prison.

However, after considering mitigating factors, he suspended the final 18-months of the sentence.

The suspension is under conditions that includes being placed on probation when released.

After a trial from July 1-8, the judge found the prisoner guilty on one count of possession of the Class A illicit drug, namely methamphatamine. 

The Court heard on May 30, 2018 Police searched a car he drove and located significant amount of methamphetamine. 

The drug found in one large bag and another smaller one was seized by Police and taken to New Zealand for testing.

The analysis found to be crystals weighing at 18.8 grams in one bag and from another 1.6 grams, making a total of 20.4 grams analyzed as methamphetamine. 

The judge was satisfied beyond reasonable doubt of the offence and convicted the prisoner.