Repeat drug offenders imprisoned [1]
Friday, March 1, 2024 - 17:44. Updated on Friday, March 1, 2024 - 17:44.
By Linny Folau
Two repeat offenders were jailed for charges that included cultivation of cannabis weighing 64.55 grams and possession of drugs utensils. While a co-offender received a suspended sentence, on conditions, at the Magistrate's Court in Nukunuku.
Magistrate Ma’u last month sent Andy Fukofuka (37) and ‘Apisai Tonga (40) to jail. While Irvin Fukofuka (30), who was charged with possession of drugs utensils, received a suspended sentence. All three men ,who had previous convictions, pleaded guilty to the offences.
Irvin was charged with possession of drugs utensils including five test tubes and an empty pack. Andy was charged with the same charge of utensils possession.
‘Apisai was charged with the cultivation of cannabis weighing 64.55 grams at Ha’avakatolo and possession of ammunition without a license, namely two .22.
The Magistrate stated that Andy was a repeat drugs offender who had breached his sentencing and there had been no submission that he had changed his life around. He also agreed with the Prosecution for imprisonment. He was sentenced to six months imprisonment with two months suspended, leaving four months.pan>
The Magistrate then re-activated his 12-months sentence for offences committed in 2022, which was supposed to end in November last year, which he breached to commit the latest offences in October. This was addition to another six-months imprisonment for offences he was sentenced on in November 2023. He is now serving the total of 22-months imprisonment. There was no suspension.
Irvin was sentenced to six months imprisonment with the last two months suspended on conditions. Four months was suspended for two-years on conditions.
‘Apisai, was sentenced on the head count of cultivation, with a starting point of 18-months imprisonment, which was reduced by four months due to his cooperation with police and his guilty plea.
He was sentenced to 14- months imprisonment iwith no suspension. The ammunition seized and the illicit drugs were ordered to be destroyed.