By Linny Folau

A couple, Tomu (51) and Ma’ata Pouono (47), were found guilty on possession of 0.12 grams of methamphetamine and 7.55 grams of cannabis at their residence in Lapaha in 2023.

Magistrate Tu’akalau convicted the accused on 25 October at the Magistrates Court in Fasi, after a trial.

The lower court heard from the evidence that on 22 October, 2023 at Lapaha at around 4:30pm, Police officer Fifita received reliable information that class A and B illicit drugs were being sold from the couple’s residence in Lapaha.

Police executed a search warrant for the illicit drugs. When they entered the house, Ma’ata was sitting on a bed and had in her lap a bag and was holding packs of cannabis in her hands.

Tomu was charged that with others he was in possession of 0.12 grams of methamphetamine, 7.55 grams of cannabis, and one pack. Ma’ata was charged that with others that she was in possession of 0.12 grams of methamphetamine, 7.55 gram of cannabis and utensils, namely seven packs.

The Magistrate stated that the maximum sentence for possession of methamphetamine that weighs no more than 1 gram is a fine not exceeding $10,000 or imprisonment not exceeding three years or both.

The maximum sentence for possession of cannabis below 28 grams of cannabis is a fine not exceeding $10,000 or imprisonment not exceeding three years or both.

He stated that the prosecution called three witnesses who were all police officers. The two accused did not give evidence but they called a witness.

In a statement from the couple, that was written down by Officer Mafi, Tomu was asked whose bag was it. Tomu stated that it was Ma’ata’s bag and Ma’ata agreed that it was hers. But he stated that the plastic bag was from Tomu because it had inside something for a man [another person] and she was only putting it in. When Tomu was asked whether this was true, he said yes, it was.

Inside this plastic bag that was handed over to Police Leveni, the substances were confirmed after testing to be methamphetamine, cannabis and the packs.

At the same time, another Officer Folau stated when he searched Tomu, he found the pack. As it was admitted by Ma’ata that the plastic bag that Tomu threw to her was for a man that was supposed to come over, this showed that both knew of the illicit drugs, stated the Magistrate.

“Based on the evidence and testimonies given in court, I have no doubt that the prosecution has proven beyond reasonable doubt the charges against the two.”

The accused couple who were convicted of the charges and are expected to be sentenced in November.