Kautai Moala (38) was sentenced to five and a half-years imprisonment for possession of 19.49 grams of methamphetamine seized at Ngele'ia.

Hon. Mr Justice Cooper sentenced Moala and co-accused Tevita 'Alatini (37) who worked for him on June 2, at the Nuku’alofa Supreme Court.

They were initially found guilty on May 5, after a trial.

'Alatini who was convicted of possessing a lesser amount of 0.297 grams of methamphetamine was sentenced to one-year imprisonment.

The offences occured on September 3, 2019.

Drug supplier

The judge said the sentence reflected the fact that he established a place to deal the drugs. In Moala's case, the evidence inferred that he was running this operation to supply methamphetamine.

“He was even driving users to the address, as was the case when arrested. He also had 'Alatini working for him, who no doubt was guarding the piggery as well as acting as a lookout,” he said.

"The pre-sentence report makes really appalling reading; the town officer reported to the author of the report that Moala is identified in the community as a supplier of drugs and uses young boys from the community to run drugs for him."

“In addition, the Crown should in future seriously consider charges of supply when that can be inferred in that the possession was with intent to supply, as is plain here from the surrounding fact,” he said.

“The problem of drugs has subsisted over these years since that time. The need for firmer action has been seen and marked in recent years.”

The judge put the sentence to reflect the fact that the accused had established a place to deal the drugs, and had at least one person 'Alatini working for him.

He sentenced Moala to five and a half-years imprisonment. The last six-months was suspended for two-years, on conditions.

“Meanwhile, 'Alatini was found with relatively small amount of the drugs. I have seen no evidence to suggest it was anything other than personal use,” he said.

'Alatini was sentenced to one-year in prison. The last six-months was suspended for two-years on conditions.

Disappointed that money returned

Regarding the ancillary order, the judge expressed his disappointed that the money seized in the police search was returned to Moala's wife on her word.

"It should always be for a court to decide the status of any money seized in these circumstances."

All the drugs and paraphernalia were subject to forfeiture and destruction order.