Siueli Angilau (42) received a suspended sentence today for possession of 0.55 grams of methamphetamine and cannabis weighing 267.83 grams, at Fanga.

Hon. Mr Justice Niu sentenced him at the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court. He was found guilty on the charges, after a trial in August.

On May 1, 2020 after police received the information that drugs were being sold at Fanga, they went there and found the defendant, his wife and child in a small house, on the rear of the town allotment towards the bush area by the Fanga'uta Lagoon. 


The methamphetamine was in three packs, which the defendant tried to swallow, when the police arrived. He later spat out the packs on the floor of the house. One pack of cannabis was on the bed.

In addition, two plastic bags of cannabis were found separately hidden at the bush area towards the lagoon, where the rubbish were being dumped.

One bag had cannabis packed in 60 packs altogether. It also had cash in it of $200. The other bag had cannabis which weighed 222.59 grams.

“Crown counsel agreed with the recommendation of the probation officer, that the defendant be sentenced to two-years imprisonment because of the substantial quantity of cannabis which he possessed, which clearly indicated that it was for the purpose of supply, but that the last year be suspended on conditions.,” said Justice Niu.

"A suspended sentence of imprisonment has a strong deterrent effect on the offender because it deters him form re-offending during the period of suspension. But it can only be imposed on an offender if it can be shown that the offender can make use of and respond to that deterrent effect."

The judge considered that there must be a full suspension of the sentence in order that the purpose of suspension, namely, rehabilitation is achieved. 

"In your case, Siueli, you have shown to me that you are capable of responding to a suspended sentence. You have done that by having taken and completed 100 hours of the drug awareness course of the Salvation Army  and you have graduated, that is, passed the course."

In addition, the defendant now has a steady job earning $250 per week with which he had maintained himself and his wife and two children for three-months now. His church bishop also confirmed the change which he has made to his life, he said.

The judge then sentenced him to two-years six-months imprisonment, suspended for two-years on conditions, that he is placed on probation and must carry out 80-hours community work, among others.

The cash was ordered to be forfeited to the Crown and the drugs to be destroyed by Police.