Results for Illicit Drugs

'Aisea Havea (35) and Kaniteli Guttenbeil (33) who were caught red-handed sitting in their car with eight small packets of cannabis and a pipe in an open bag between them at Popua, were found guilty of possession and sentenced to jail terms.

Pita Talanoa (44) was sentenced to nine-years 10-months imprisonment on three separate sets of offences concerning illicit drugs including possession of 24.43 grams methamphetamine, as well as being re-sentenced for a further drugs offence. The judge said Talanoa's offending was remorseless: “He will serve a substantial sentence, because this offending deserves it. ...the public need to be protected from his venal behaviour.”

Sione Pongi (36) is serving 16-months imprisonment for drugs offences, after the Supreme Court replaced his original 10-months sentence imposed by the Magistrates Court, in a successful appeal by the Crown against sentence. “That he cooperated with the police I respectfully consider irrelevant when in reality he was caught red handed,” stated the judge.

Raymond Ngaue (34) was sentenced to one year imprisonment with a portion suspended on two charges that included possession of 89.38 grams of cannabis seized at Sopu in 2023.

A magistrate has granted bail for a woman, one of two siblings, arrested on 10 February in relation to a police seizure of 15.657kg of methamphetamine in Nuku'alofa. ‘Ana Longolongo Kolokihakaufisi (37) and her brother, a senior reserve bank official Tēvita Nonu Kolokihakaufisi (39), first appeared before a magistrate on 12 February, and were remanded in custody to 16 February. He was not permitted bail and remains in custody.

Drugs offender, Pita Talanoa will be sentenced next month on three charges including possession of 24.34 grams of methamphetamine seized at Veitongo in 2023. His female co-offender who faced one charge was found not guilty due to insufficient evidence.

Samiu Mafi was ordered to serve a sentence of one-year imprisonment for drugs offences imposed by the Magistrates Court, after his appeal was dismissed when he failed to demonstrate that the ruling was wrong.

Venasio Hau (32) was sentenced to four-years and six-months imprisonment, partially suspended, for possession of 27.76 grams of methamphetamine, while his two co-accused received suspended sentences. The illicit drugs were seized after Police received information of it being sold at a residence in Ma'ufanga.

Sione Pongi (36) is serving 10-months imprisonment for possession of 0.16 grams of methamphetamine seized at Vaini in October this year.