Motu'apuaka charged with importing banned steroids [1]
Wednesday, February 2, 2011 - 10:24. Updated on Monday, September 9, 2013 - 18:40.
'INOKE Tu'alau Motu'apuaka (60) commonly known as Motu'apuaka of Te'ekiu pleaded not guilty to one count of importing the illicit steroid drugs anabolic and androgenic to Tonga in January last year.
Motu'apuaka appeared before Justice Robert Shuster on Monday, February 1 and entered his not guilty plea represented by counsel Mana Kaufusi.
The charge is that on January 8, 2010 at Nuku'alofa he knowingly and without lawful excuse engaged in dealing with Misinale Talakai for the importation of the illicit drugs.
Anabolic and Androgenic are steroids banned in Tonga.
Justice Shuster set the trial date to begin on October 3-7 this year. The accused and his co-accused have elected to be tried by jury before Justice Shuster.