Stall owner who sold drugs gets another chance [1]
Thursday, July 8, 2021 - 17:19
Viliami Sima (46) received a suspended sentence for possession of 0.18 grams of methamphetamine and 16.5 grams of cannabis seized at his market stall in Ma’ufanga.
Hon. Justice Niu sentenced him on July 2, at the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court. He had pleaded guilty to the two offences committed on September 15, 2020.
The judge said, Police received information that the accused was selling drugs at his market stall in Ma'ufanga, opposite Nauti Ruby bar and restaurant.
“They came there right away and your wife was there but you were at the bar. You were brought from there and the police searched your stall.”
Police found in the room behind the stall one pack of meth on top of a bed, one pack of cannabis, empty packs, two test tubes and one ear bud wrapped in a diaper in a bag, 20 packs of cannabis and four packs of meth in a plastic bag inside a small box in the wall, he said.
Probation said the accused earned a living by picking and selling green coconuts and also selling drugs.
He admitted to smoking cannabis and methamphetamine and that he grew cannabis and had previous conviction for drugs, as well as for other offences. He also admitted remorse, and was sorry for breaking the law.
The accused also claimed that he had sought help from and had attended the Salvation Army courses on drug awareness.
In addition, on June 2021, he came back to Court with a letter, which confirmed that he had found a job.
“That letter was from a mowing company confirming that he was employed at a weekly wage of $350 and that he was trust worthy and hardworking. You told me that not only you mow lawns contracted by the company but that you also fix the mowers for the company,” he said.
The judge was then satisfied that the sentence recommended by the Crown was appropriate, namely six-months imprisonment. This was suspended for three-years, on conditons.
In addition, I consider that it is sufficient that he only complete the Salvation Army course and that he abstain from alcohol and drugs. You have shown that you have rehabilitated yourself, he said.
The judge ordered the drugs were to be destroyed by the police.