Samuela Fiefia (26) was sentenced to eight months imprisonment for possession of 1.19 grams methamphetamine and possession 4.27 grams of cannabis seized at his home in Ma'ufanga.

Hon Mr Justice Cooper sentenced him this month at the Supreme Court in Nuku'alofa. This was after he pleaded guilty to three offences, which included possession of drugs utensils.

On March 29 earlier this year at around 2:00pm Police acting on information raided Fiefia's home in Touliki, Ma'ufanga.

He was at his home at the time and caring for a baby. He grabbed the infant and tried to run from Police but was caught.

A search of his address uncovered the illicit drugs as well as a weighing scale, empty packets, one gold necklace, straws, one test tube and over $900 pa'anga cash.

Following the amendment to Illicit Drugs Control Act the maximum sentence for having ]possession over 1 gram of a class A drug is up to life. Possession of over 0.25 grams is  treated as being for supply.

The judge said, in this event it was quite clear from the surrounding facts that Fiefia was engaged in possessing these drugs for the purpose of supply.

"The scales, the money, the collection of empty 'dealer' bags all point to the accoutrements of a drug dealer. This is a pernicious trade and the courts will always mark this behaviour with the appropriate sentence."

In addition, Fiefia had an extensive record. He was convicted in 2014 once for domestic violence and once for indecent assault. Then in 2015, 2018 and right through 2019 multiple offences of domestic violence and also house breaking; latterly an offence of damaging property.

“A variety of disposals have been offered but there appears to be no sign that he has heeded these warnings. Then to miss his probation report entirely suggests a complete lack of remorse because he was arrested in regards to failing to attend the Magistrates' Court for a matter of possession of utensils,” said the judge.

"Accordingly, I come to the view that no part of his sentence should be suspended.”

For the breach of his suspended sentence for domestic violence, the judge activated his six-months imprisonment, which will run consecutive to this sentence.

This means that Fiefia will serve an overall sentence of 14-months' imprisonment.

Meanwhile, the money was forfeited and the drugs and paraphernalia forfeited and destroyed.