Results for Illicit Drugs

Misivina Tatakamotonga was sentenced to seven-years eight-months imprisonment for possession of illicit drugs, including 99.47 grams of methamphetamine. The judge said it was gravely concerning that the defendant's true activities were not reflected in the indictment and there appeared to be scant investigation into the dealer list. He urged the investigating authorities “to reflect on what lines of enquiry can properly be pursued."

The three foreign nationals who were arrested and charged in relation to a cocaine haul in Vava‘u, were today released on bail, at the Magistrate's Court in Neiafu. Robin and Brenda Cox, and Calvin Manuceau will be called to appear in court again on August 17.

Four of the seven accused in Vava'u, including three foreign nationals were denied bail at the Magistrate's Court in Neiafu on August 9. They remain in police custody as investigations continue. Meanwhile, Tonga Police made more arrests last week in relation to the cocaine packages that washed up on Vava'u beaches recently.

More arrests have been made in relation to the cocaine haul in Vava'u last week. Matangi Tonga understands today the latest arrests included that of a foreign national in Tonga.

Siueli Angilau (42) was today found guilty of possession of 0.55 grams of methamphetamine seized by Tonga Police after received they information that illicit drugs were being sold from a little house in Fanga.

Five more packets of cocaine were seized last night by the Tonga Police Drugs Enforcement Taskforce, during a raid of a home in Ha'alaufuli, Vava'u. Eleven cocaine packets, including six handed over to Police this week, have been recovered after being washed up on shore. The total street value of the illicit drugs recovered is now estimated to be over $4 million pa'anga. Police suspect that more of the washed-up drugs are still in the community.

Kalafitoni Toluta’u (43) was found guilty today of possession of 2.80 grams of methamphetamine seized at a tax allotment in 'Utulau on July 28, 2018. He will be sentenced on September 15, at the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court.

‘Atapani Pangi (33) received a sentence of two-years and four-months imprisonment for possession of 183.3 grams of cannabis, seized at a house in Fo'ui. His co-accused, who owned the house also received a suspended sentence.

Viliami Sima (46) received a suspended sentence for possession of 0.18 grams of methamphetamine and 16.5 grams of cannabis seized at his market stall in Ma’ufanga.