Sesilia Uaisele was found guilty on possession of 0.02 grams of methamphetamine, seized inside her co-accused vehicle at the bus station in Nuku'alofa. 

Justice Langi found her guilty on January 15, at the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court.

She was jointly charged with Tevita Talia'uli Fatongiatau, who too was convicted of similar offences, after separate trials. However, both will be sentenced on February 2.

The offending occured on March 2, 2020 at around 11:00pm, when police received reliable information from an informer that the accused and Fatongiatau were selling drugs at the bus station for the western/eastern districts, located in the CBD.

Police searched the vehicle and found the illicit drug, a test tube and a large amount of cash.

The judge said on the evidence, she found beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused had knowledge that the substance inside the test tube was, in fact, an illicit drug and she was therefore in possession of them. 

“The drugs were found inside the car on the passenger's side, where police found her bag and purse. I do not accept the defence submission that the police should have lifted fingerprints from the test tube to prove that she was in possession of drugs,” said the judge.

"While finding a print would have been supportive, the evidence before her is in her view, sufficient to prove possession. The accused also did not deny she was a passenger in the vehicle that night."

In addition, the test tube containing methamphetamine was found in the passenger side of the car.

“A substantial amount of money was found in her bag and purse. Empty plastic packs were also found in the car. All these items are consistent with items possessed by someone dealing or using drugs,” said the judge.

"I have no doubt that she knew exactly what was in the test tube and she that like her co-accused was involved in dealing with drugs."

The accused was convicted of the offence.