By Linny Folau

Harris Satini (49) was found guilty on three counts including possession of 0.55 grams of methamphetamine and 2.85 grams of cannabis seized at his residence in Vaini. 

Magistrate Langi convicted him last month at the Fasi Magistrate's Court. The counts also included unlawful possession of drugs utensils.

She stated that the accepted facts after hearing the evidence of both the Prosecution and the defendant was that on 20 March this year, the police went to the his residence to arrest him for breaching his curfew that ran from 7:00pm to 6:00am.

The police officers had gone to the residence twice and he was not there. When they went there again in the evening, the police team leader Officer Fifita knocked on the door and the defendant opened it. While they were talking he saw a pack of ice on a chair in the living room. The defendant was informed that they would search his house.

There were also others inside the house when they started the search, in which they seized the ice pack on the chair, in which the defendant claimed that it belonged to one named Kapuana. The police officers also found a smoking pipe on the bottom of a chair’s cushion, he again stated that it belonged to Kapuana.

Police also discovered packs under the chair as well as other packs in different areas of the house. Cannabis was also found and the defendant admitted it was his. All the items seized and recorded by WPC Tupou, the lower court heard.

The Magistrate stated that it was clear from the start of the trial that defendant did not dispute that the illicit drugs confiscated by officers from the methamphetamine, cannabis and drugs utensils were found in his residence.

“The only issue he disputed was that he was in possession of it, which I have found that the Prosecution has proven beyond reasonable doubt. After hearing the evidence from both sides, I am convinced beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty of all the charges against him,” ruled the Magistrate.

The defendant was then found guilty and convicted on all charges. He will be sentenced on 16 December.