By Linny Folau

Kulisitafu Fehoko (32) is currently serving an eight-month prison sentence for two charges, including possession of 1.28 grams of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia seized from his vehicle when intercepted by Police in Vaololoa last year.

Lord Chief Justice Bishop sentenced him last month in the Supreme Court, Nuku’alofa, after he pleaded guilty to the charges. These included possession of one smoking pipe, 352 empty packs and one clear plastic [pack]. He was also sentenced for other charges committed from the Magistrate’s Court, where he pleaded guilty to possession of 0.40 grams of cannabis and four empty packs.

On the night of July 22, 2024, Police received reliable information that Kulisitafu was selling illicit drugs from his blue and grey striped Toyota Passon in the areas around Vaiola Hospital. Police officers departed to the area, noticed the target vehicle in front of Vaiola Hospital, and discretely followed it before intercepting it at Vaololoa, where Kulisitafu was the sole occupant.

His probation report stated that he was remorseful over the offending, and the reason for it was to gain some income. The Lord Chief Justice accepted that he has little or no connections to his community or church and has a previous conviction related to domestic abuse and assault. He was also unemployed and assessed at high risk of re-offending. The Probation Office concluded their report by recommending a partly suspended sentence on conditions

“You have pleaded guilty to being in possession of 1.28 grams of methamphetamine and possession of the paraphernalia to be used in the ingestion of this dangerous drug. As you know methamphetamine is a scourge in the Kingdom as it increases wrongdoing destroys family relationships and is generally a curse on society and the court must deal seriously with those who flout the law in the way that you have done.”

He was also quite satisfied that pursuant to the Illicit Drugs Act the amount of methamphetamine in his possession namely the 1.28 grams enabled him to draw the inference that he was not only a user only but a supplier. “That is a very serious matter in accordance with the helpful guidelines submitted by the Crown, it seemed to me that no other term other than a custodial sentence is appropriate for the possession of 1.28 grams of methamphetamine,” he stated.

Kulisitafu was sentenced to a total of 14 months imprisonment served concurrently with the other sentences committed from the lower court. However, for his guilty plea at an early opportunity and in the hope that he will learn the lesson of his ways, six months were suspended for two years, on conditions. He is now serving eight months imprisonment.

Meanwhile, all drugs and utensils were ordered to be destroyed with the $193 cash seized forfeited to the Crown.