“Long-term menace” drug dealer jailed [1]
Wednesday, June 9, 2021 - 08:07. Updated on Wednesday, June 9, 2021 - 14:30.
By Linny Folau
Sefo Moala (52) was sentenced to eight years imprisonment for nine counts of possession of illicit drugs, including 41.82 grams of cocaine and 139.3 grams of methamphetamine.
Lord Chief Justice Whitten QC sentenced him on all counts on June 4, at the Nuku’alofa Supreme Court.
These offences were committed in four different incidents between 2019 and 2021.
The Crown said the aggravating factors were the substantial quantities of methamphatamine, cannabis and cash seized, which indicated that he was a drug supplier.
He was also on bail when he committed the latest offences.
The defendant's most recent offence was on March 4, 2021 when he was found in possession of 1.31 grams of methamphetamine and utensils, during a Police search warrant executed at his residence in Tokomololo.
However, his biggest drug seizure was on November 12, 2019, when Police received information that he was selling drugs from his car parked at Longolongo.
He was found in possession of 4.06 grams of cannabis, 0.78 grams of methamphetamine, 139.3 grams of methamphetamine, 41.82 grams of cocaine and 79.10 grams of cannabis.
Also seized were cash amounts in Tongan, Fijian and Australian currencies.
The Chief Justice said, the probation officer opined that the defendant posed a threat and danger to public peace and the future of the young people of Tonga especially with the ongoing problems with the battle with illegal drugs.
"A full custodial sentence was recommended and that in prison, that he undertake alcohol and drugs counselling."
Sefo migrated with his family to Hawaii when he was still a young man, and he eventually got involved in selling drugs to earn money to help support his family.
Deportee
He was deported to Tonga in 1998, after serving 10-years in prison.
His extensive criminal history from 1999-2021 included housebreaking, robbery, escape from lawful custody, wilful damage, arson, attempted armed robbery, grievous bodily harm, possession of illicit drugs, among others.
The Chief Justice said, his criminal history makes him ineligible for suspension.
"Further and consistent with the opinion expressed by the probation officer, the defendant has been a long-term menace to society."
“Unless and until he demonstrates a genuine desire and willingness for lasting rehabilitation, a commitment to which only he can decide, he is likely to continue to pose a threat to the community, he said.
The Chief Justice then sentenced him to eight-years imprisonment.
The illicit drugs must be destroyed, with the cash and other items forfeited to the Crown.