Results for Illicit Drugs

Penisoni Tu’ifua Angilau (37) is serving 10 years in prison for four charges that included supplying 534.53 grams of methamphetamine to his second cousin to pack the illicit drug at her residence in Lomaiviti, Tongatapu, in March last year. Police seized cash totalling $90,125 and a Ford Ranger Vehicle, which the court forfeited to the Crown.

Sione Lapu’aho (56) is serving 10 months in prison for possession of 130.35 grams of cannabis at Fatai in February this year. He admitted that he was intending to supply the cannabis to others, when he was questioned by police.

Penisoni Tu’ifua Angilau (37) was found guilty of four charges that included supplying 534.53 grams of methamphetamine to his second cousin to pack the illicit drug at her residence in Lomaiviti.

Penisimani Foukimoana Koli Moa (33) was imprisoned for one year and eight months, after he entered the Emerald Hotel and pointed a .22 pistol at the forehead of an employee. “The defendant foolishly thought it appropriate to carry in his trouser pocket an unlicensed .22 pistol, while out drinking,” stated the judge.

Two men and one woman were jailed for possession of 20.92 grams and 13.52 grams of methamphetamine seized in a police raid outside a restaurant in Houma. In sentencing the trio at the Supreme Court in Nuku'alofa, Lord Chief Justice Bishop said Methamphetamine is a serious scourge in Tonga. “Considering the current increase of illicit drugs in the community, deterrence and with it punishment, is of greater priority than rehabilitation.”

Maamafo’ou Movete (32) is serving four and half years’ imprisonment for multiple charges, including possession of 17.31 grams of methamphetamine and supplying others with 11.88 grams of methamphetamine last year. His 20-year-old co-accused received a suspended sentence.

Epuefi Laimani was found guilty of three charges that included possession of 13.27 grams of methamphetamine in Sopu, after being caught by police officers, who received information that he was selling illicit drugs in the area.

Tu’ifua Angilau who was found guilty on possession of 1.95 grams of methamphetamine last year failed to win his appeal against conviction, when the Appeal Court found there was no miscarriage of justice in a judgment delivered on 16 May in Nuku'alofa.

‘Atunaisa Fa’uhiva (32) received a fully suspended sentence of 16 months imprisonment for the possession of a loaded .22 rifle, ammunition without a licence, and illicit drugs, including dried cannabis seeds, in Neiafu, Vava’u. The Lord Chief Justice emphasized that the courts in Tonga must prevent conduct that could lead to a surge in criminality involving lethal weapons.