Drug offenders found guilty [1]
Monday, August 30, 2021 - 18:50
‘Asaeli Teuilo and Petelo Tu’ipulotu have been found guilty on a joint count of possessing 0.13 grams of methamphetamine, seized at Sopu on September 18, 2020.
Hon. Mr Justice Niu convicted the two men on August 27, at the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court. This was after a trial in July this year.
'Asaeli was additionally charged with two counts that on the same day, he unlawfully interfered with evidence by interfering with the course of justice when he smashed a glass pipe used for smoking methamphetamine.
He also obstructed a police officer whom he kicked when was carrying out his duty to arrest him.
The court heard from a Police witness that around 3:00 pm on the day of the offending, he received a telephone call from an informer that 'Asaeli had drugs with him at a place in Hofoa.
The witness then briefed a team and police officers went in three vehicles. The police witness also knew 'Asaeli and his vehicle. Police found Teulilo's van on Hofoa Road coming towards Vuna Road with 'Asaeli driving with a front passenger.
When the Police stopped the accused's vehicle on Hofoa Road One policeman tried to get 'Asaeli out of his vehicle and another policeman took out the passenger from the front passenger seat.
The judge was satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that Teulilo and Tu'ipulotu jointly and wilfully possessed the 0.13 gram of methamphetamine found in the van without lawful excuse. He convicted them to be sentenced, after a mitigating hearing on October 31.