Results for Illicit Drugs

Sione Pouono (20) was sentenced to five-years imprisonment for unlawful possession of illicit drugs and grievous bodily harm, when he severed another man's finger with a chopping knife at Lapaha. "Methamphetamine is a scourge to societies everywhere that has affected a great deal of harm and misery. The distribution and use of methamphetamine in Tonga is a significant government and community concern,” said the judge.

Sesilia Uaisele (29) was sentenced to three-months imprisonment for possession of 0.02 grams of methamphetamine, seized in a vehicle at a bus station in Nuku'alofa.

Bruno Latu (27) was sentenced to three-years imprisonment for 0.17 grams of methamphetamine. This is a serious case because he was dealing drugs, while operating a panel beating business as a front, said the Supreme Court judge.

Tevita Malolo (45) was sentenced to eight-months imprisonment for possessing 62.05 grams of cannabis and utensils seized at his home in Tatakamotonga, in 2020. Under an amendment to the Illicit Drugs Act, now drugs over seven grams must be sentenced as supply.

The police seized 4.69 grams of methamphetamine and arrested 13 men and two women aged 22 to 46-years -old at Kolofo’ou, Ha’ateiho, Tofoa and Ma’ufanga in Tongatapu between May 24-31.

Sione Songo’imoli (40) of Popua was sentenced to 18-months imprisonment for possession of 0.08 grams of methamphetamine. This was fully suspended at the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court.

Tupou Saulala Haupeakui (27) was sentenced today to a suspended sentence of nine-months imprisonment for possessing 0.46 grams of methamphetamine, seized at Kolomotu'a in 2020. The judge said the producers, suppliers and dealers of the drugs needed “young foolish persons like you to sell the drugs for them”.

Viliami Na’a was sentenced to serve one-month imprisonment for possession of 0.99 grams of cannabis. He is currently serving six-years nine-months imprisonment for grievous bodily harm.

Maka Latu (35) was sentenced today to eight-years imprisonment for 16 offences, including possession of 50.22 grams of methamphetamine. In one incident he had resisted arrest and Police shot the tyres of his vehicle. "In my view, those who import, manufacture, distribute or supply illicit drugs are currently one of the greatest threats to the physical, mental and spiritual health of the people of Tonga and its social fabric and cohesion." said the Chief Justice.