Siu Holani (30) was sentenced to 21-months imprisonment for possession of illicit drugs, including 1.68 grams of methamphetamine and 5.57 grams of cannabis.

The illicit drugs were seized during a police raid at an address in Tu'atakilangi on 29 December 2021.

Hon. Mr Justice Cooper sentenced him on 15 March at the Supreme Court in Nuku'alofa. He pleaded guilty to both counts, after being re-arraigned.

The defendant had previous convictions from 2010-22 for theft, drug offences with housebreaking and theft in both March and April 2022.

Despite having a poor record in recent years, his admission of guilt gave the Court hope that he wanted to rehabilitate, said the judge.

He was then sentenced to 21-months sentence but the last 12-months suspended for one-year on conditions.

The judge ordered that all drugs and paraphernalia be forfeited and destroyed. Cash of $125 seized was also forfeited.

Meanwhile, the defendant was found not guilty on three other charges, after the Crown offered no evidence.

The Crown dropped the case against his co-accused, Ms Moa, who was charged with the defendant on five counts.