‘Atapani Pangi (33) was sentenced today to two-years four-months imprisonment possession of 183.3 grams of cannabis, seized at a house in Fo'ui. 

He was also sentenced on another count of possessing 37.7 grams of cannabis.

Co-accused Manu Huni received a suspended sentence for unlawful possession of drugs paraphernalia, namely three aluminum cans used to smoke cannabis and knowingly permitting his house to be used for the use of the illicit drug.

Another accused Matangi Fetu'u'aho who pleaded guilty to similar charges had already been sentenced.

Offending 

He said on December 28, 2020 Police received information that Fetu'u'aho was selling drugs from his residence.

While driving to the defendant's residence, Police were informed that Fetu'u'aho had gone to Huni's residence at Fo'ui. When they arrived there, police saw Fetu'u'aho and Pangi with a sizeable amount of cannabis being placed into smaller packs in the middle of the lounge room floor. Huni was sitting on a bed nearby watching them, he said.

When police entered the house, Fetu'u'aho and Pangi picked up some of the cannabis and attempted to escape by running out the back door. Police intercepted them and several packs of cannabis fell from their hands.

The Lord Chief Justice said during the ensuing search, police found numerous packs of cannabis, cannabis leaves, 415 empty plastic packs and bongs in the form of aluminum cans shaped for use in smoking drugs, two of which were found in Huni's bedroom and another in his outdoor kitchen.

When questioned at the scene, Fetu'u'aho admitted to the offending. Huni blamed Fetu'u'aho and Pangi. While, Pangi admitted that the cannabis belonged to him and Fetu'u'aho, he said.

"By his decision to get involved with illicit drugs, and to the extent of deemed supplying, he has not only betrayed his community but also his family's trust in and dependence on him."

He then sentenced Pangi to two-years four-months imprisonment, but with the final 12-months suspended for two-years on conditions.

Co-accused

For Huni, the probation officer reported him as a low risk offender, who was remorseful and who was trying to live a more positive life by getting involved in community and church activities, he said.

Huni was sentenced to 15-months imprisonment, which was fully suspended for two-years. This is on conditions that he complete 50-hours of community service, among other requirements.

"Failure, by either defendant to comply with the above conditions of their respective sentences may result in the relevant suspension being rescinded,in which case, the defaulting defendant will be required to serve the balance of his sentence."