By Linny Folau

Two men were sentenced to six-months' imprisonment, each fully suspended on conditions, for possession of a total of 0.05 grams of methamphetamine seized inside their vehicle at Popua.

The two who pleaded guilty at the first opportunity were sentenced at the Magistrate’s Court in Nuku’alofa last month.

Taulanga Nonu pleaded guilty to possession of 0.01 gram of methamphetamine, while Takavaha Nonu pleaded guilty to possession of 0.04 grams of methamphetamine and drug utensils, namely a smoking pipe.

The Prosecution stated that the offending was on 28 September 2023, when Police officers were attending to the park at Popua regarding another person on an illicit drugs matter. As the officers were doing their work, a Voxy vehicle turned from Vuna Road to the road to Popua blasting loud music.

Police officers stopped the vehicle and PC Tomu walked over to the front passenger sea where Taulanga was seated, while the other IP Vi was talking to the driver, Takavaha. When PC Tomu looked in with his flashlight on, IP Vi saw Takavaha holding a smoking pipe on his left hand, which he tried to then hide on the side of his feet. PC Tomu again with the flashlight saw Taulanga was also holding something. He was told to open his palm and when he did there was a small pack containing a white substance.

A search was carried out on both and in the vehicle before the two were arrested. After Police tested the substance, it confirmed its weight and that it was methamphetamine. The two admitted that the illicit drug was theirs.

The Magistrate stated that the Prosecution submitted the aggravating factors was the use of illicit drugs, which is a major issue in the country and the possession of a Class A drug. In addition, Takavaha lied to police about his name. However, working in their favour as mitigating factors were being first time offenders, their guilty pleas and cooperation with Police.

In regards to suspension, the Magistrate after considering the Mo’unga principles was satisfied it was appropriate to fully suspend their sentences, as submitted by the Prosecution, because the court believed it would be beneficial for them to try and change their lives around as shown in their early guilty pleas.

Taulanga was then sentenced to six-months imprisoned which was suspended for one-year, on conditions that included being placed on probation, and not committing any offence punishable by imprisonment. He must also carry out 40-hours of community service.

Takavaha was sentenced to six-months imprisonment also fully suspended for one-year on similar conditions.