By Linny Folau

Lu’isa Malamala (31) is serving two years and two months imprisonment for possession of 3.09 grams of methamphetamine seized by police in a vehicle in Nuku’alofa.

The Magistrate sentenced her on two charges that included possession of drug utensils, namely seven empty packs and a scale, on 11 March at the Fasi Magistrates Court. She initially pleaded not guilty but changed her plea to guilty during her trial.

The lower court heard that the offending was on 11 April 2024, at around 9:00pm Inspector Vi acted on reliable information received about illicit drugs being carried by Lu'isa and a co-accused in a red vehicle around Nuku 'alofa. 

When the Drug Squad arrived at Kimiko Restaurant on Vuna Road, they blocked the suspect's vehicle and detained the co-accused Piliote, a passenger. The accused was in the driver's seat.

During the vehicle search, a silver weighing scale was discovered on the floor between the driver and passenger seats. The police asked Lu’isa about it, and she claimed the item.

Police also discovered a small black bag containing a green lighter, four empty packs, four packs with a white substance suspected as methamphetamine, one large pack with a white substance suspected as methamphetamine.

Lu'isa claimed all items as hers. The Police also discovered three empty packs inside a compartment on the front passenger's side of the car.

The accused only changed her plea to guilty when the prosecution's witnesses were giving evidence.

The Magistrate said that llicit drugs are a problem in Tonga and sentenced her to three years and two months imprisonment, but because this was her first criminal conviction, the final 12 months was suspended for two years on conditions.

The accused is now serving two years two months in prison. The illicit drugs were ordered to be destroyed and cash amounting to $485 forfeited to the Crown.