Jury trial on airport meth nears end [1]
Tuesday, October 22, 2019 - 17:49
A verdict is expected this week in a jury trial against Viliami Mangisi (59) charged in relation to the seizure of 1.9 kilograms of methamphetamine at Fua‘amotu International Airport. The trial is underway at the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court.
The accused from Ha‘avakatolo is being tried on two charges of attempted export of an illicit Class A drug, namely methamphetamine, and possession of the illicit drug.
He pleaded not guilty to the charges and opted for the jury trial, which began on October 14 before Hon. Mr Justice Cato.
Mangisi has denied trying to export the seized methamphetamine from Tonga to New Zealand on May 8, 2018.
Witnesses have been called to give evidence and counsel started delivering their final submissions today, before the judge sums up the case and makes legal directions to jurors.
The jury is expected to have a verdict before the end of the week.