Paea Leka was sentenced to two-years six-months imprisonment (fully suspended) for possession of 5.23 grams of methamphetamine and 0.72 grams of cannabis, at the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court.

Justice Langi in a written sentence released today, said the accused was to stand trial in December last year, changed his plea from not guilty to guilty on both offences.

The accused admitted that the events leading to him committing this crime began when he and his wife were asked by his aunt to move to Kolomotu'a and look after their family business, while they travelled abroad.

On February 28, 2019 Police acted on information that there were illicit drugs 
being supplied from the accused‘s home. Police conducted a search without a warrant and found 31 packs of methamphetamine and cannabis inside his room.

The judge said, the accused did not wish to give the probation officer any further information relating as to how he came into possession of illicit drugs. He only conveyed that he was deeply ashamed and remorseful for his actions.

The judge said the alarming increase in drug-related offences in our country is of great concern to the courts, the government and the general public.

"It is no secret that methamphetamine is becoming increasingly common in Tonga."

Furthermore, in this case, the accused did not plead guilty at the earliest available opportunity and he did not cooperate with the police. 

However, he was a first-time offender and was remorseful for his actions. “I am of the view that if given a chance the accused will take the opportunity offered by a fully suspended sentence to rehabilitate him,” said the judge.

"I accept the probation officer's view that he is remorseful. I am also mindful that the accused has not had the benefit of being part of any kind of rehabilitation programs such as that offered by the Salvation Army Drugs and Alcohol courses."

The judge also believed that given the right tools through the assistance of such courses, he could turn his life around and become a law-abiding citizen.

The accused was then given a fully suspended sentence on conditions, which included being placed on probation for two-years, that he must complete a Salvation Army Drugs and Alcohol Awareness/Life Skills Course and undertake 100 hours of community work as directed by the probation officer.