Angilau Palanite received a fully suspended sentence for possession of 0.12 gram of methamphetamine seized at Puke on September 14, 2020. 

Hon Mr Justice Niu sentenced him to six-months imprisonment, fully suspended on conditions on May 10. He pleaded guilty to the offence, at the Nuku’alofa Supreme Court.

Police stopped the defendant in his vehicle, after receving information that he was driving around selling drugs. 

They searched him and found one pack of meth in his 
slippers, and in his car found $1,300 cash inside a bag between the front seats and $20 in a compartment next to the steering wheel.

The methamphetamine was tested, confirmed and weighed to be 0.12gm of methamphatamine.


He has no previous conviction.

The judge said, according to probation the defendant admitted his hopelessness of the life he was leading in drugs.

“It did not hit home until he was arrested and charged with this offence in September last year. He is restarting a takeaway food business and the probation offcer is hopeful that he is going to make it,” he said.

The judge agreed with the probation officer's suggestion, and which the Crown supported that he attend and complete the drug awareness course at the Salvation Army. 


"Illicit drugs are a big problem and serious concern to the community. It is only right that you show your contrition and your promise not to breach that law again by carrying out that public service to the community itself. It means that you would only be law abiding for that short period of suspension, in order that your suspended sentence is extinguished."

He was sentenced to six-months imprisonment, suspended for two-years on conditions that he serve 40-hours community service and complete the drug awareness course, among other requirements.

Police were ordered to destroy the methamphetamine, while the cash seized was forfeited to the Crown.