By Linny Folau

A woman who attempted to swallow a packet of methamphetamine when Police led her outside a bar,was sentenced to 11 months imprisonment. 

Seluvaia Mailelua (42) pleaded guilty to possession of 1.15 grams of methamphetamine, attempted destruction of evidence when she attempted to swallow the packet of meth, possession of 0.58 grams of cannabis and unlawful possession of utensils, namely one smoking pipe.

On 29 November, Lord Chief Justice Bishop at the Supreme Court in Nuku’alofa. sentenced her to 11 months imprisonment.

She had been remanded in Police custody for nine months, so this means she willl serve another two months in jail.

From the Prosecution’s summary of facts, the offences were committed on the night of 22 February this year, when Police received reliable information that she was distributing illicit drugs in the Nuku'alofa area.

Police found her at Nauti Ruby's Bar with others and led them outside to the parking area.

Whilst the Police brought the defendant out of the bar, a police officer noticed her putting her right hand around her mouth area. So, he shouted to two other officers that she was trying to swallow something.

One of the police officers managed to stop the defendant then reached into her mouth and retrieved a pack of suspected methamphetamine. The Police also noticed a packet of suspected cannabis inside her left pocket.

Police found inside her pink bag, one packet suspected to be cannabis, one smashed smoking pipe and $232. Police also found on her $700.79. When her vehicle was searched, they found one packet of suspected methamphetamine underneath the driver's seat. She was then arrested.

Magistrate's Court.

In another case she pleaded guilty to a charge of possession of utensils, four empty packs, one smoking pipe, two and half empty packs in the Magistrate's Court.

The Lord Chief Justice stated that in relation to the four counts, the indictment arose out of a raid by the police at a bar where they had information of the presence of illicit drugs.

He stated that on her they found 1.15 grams of methamphetamine, which was count one.

“On count two you attempted to destroy the evidence by swallowing a packet of methamphetamine an extremely dangerous thing to do and you were also charged with possession of 0.58g of cannabis together with the possession of a smoking pipe for no doubt for the use of the methamphetamine.”

He stated that the unlawful possession of two empty packs, a smoking pipe and a further two empty packs was on 7 March 2024.

The matter was serious because it was committed during the period in which she was on bail for another case.

“You were warned at the time that any offense which you were committed by you during bail would be seriously regarded by the court and I do so accordingly for those for that matter.”

In total, the accused was then sentenced to serve 16 months' imprisonment, with the last five months suspended on conditions. This meant she was to serve 11 months in prison.

“The Crown has informed me that the accused has been remanded into custody for a period of nine months. Accounting for time served, the accused is to serve only two more months in custody for these proceedings.”

The Lord Chief Justice also ordered the destruction of all of the illicit drugs and utensils and for all cash seized to be forfeited to the Crown.