Results for Illicit Drugs

'Alifeleti Uepi Latu (33) was sentenced to four years and one month imprisonment, with a part suspended, for numerous charges, which included serious housebreaking and theft of items valued at $22,750 from a house at Tofoa. The defendant was said to be an unemployed drug user who had relied on his mother's money transfers from the United States. He had previous convictions for theft, assault, domestic violence and bodily harm.

Isiah Takau (39) from Ma’ufanga was sentenced to serve a total of three years and nine months imprisonment for possession of 11.94 grams of methamphetamine and cultivation of 10 cannabis plants committed in two separate occasions. He also committed the second offence while on bail.

Siena Li received a suspended sentence for possession of 0.08 grams methamphetamine and smashing a pipe used to smoke drugs, when she was arrested in a car at Ha’ateiho.

Haisini Fonohema (37) was jailed for charges including possession of 1.08 grams of methamphetamine and assaulting an undercover police officer who was arresting him in Ha’alalo. His co-offender, Sosaia Palei (39) received a suspended sentence.

Tu’utalelei ‘Atuekaho (42) was sentenced to nine months imprisonment, fully suspended, for possession of 0.15 grams of methamphetamine and drugs utensils. He was ordered to do 100 hours of community work. “Given the problems faced by our country as a result of the rise in drug related offending, a first time offender should not expect to walk off without some kind of punishment being given,” said the Judge.

Sitiveni Tukuafu (28), a first time offender, was sentenced to two-years’ imprisonment with some part suspended for three charges that included possession of 4.78 grams of methamphetamine seized at Hofoa.

A father of four, Sosaia Fifita (36) was jailed for charges including possession of 1.16 grams of methamphetamine during a drug bust in Tofoa last year. A repeat offender, his problem with methamphetamine use dated back to 2009. The judge set the starting point at 24 months “in the light of his continued and determined drug dealing.”

Tonga's Customs officials have seized 137.36 grams of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia that were concealed in a metal drum containing personal items, and intercepted at a customs warehouse in Ma'ufanga on 4 April. They were consigned to a 45 year old Tongan female from Kolofo'ou, Tongatapu, who has been apprehended.

Two men were sentenced to six-months' imprisonment, each fully suspended on conditions, for possession of a total of 0.05 grams of methamphetamine seized inside their vehicle at Popua, which was blasting loud music that attracted the attention of Police.