Two plead guilty in Malifa drug case

By Matai'a Lanuola Tusani T - Ah Tong 12 February 2024, 10:00PM

Two young men have pleaded guilty to possession of narcotics and firearm connected to a raid at Malifa where 14 people were arrested and charged. 

The 14 defendants appeared before Supreme Court Justice, Fepuleai Ameperosa Roma on Monday. 

Sam Victor did not have a lawyer and entered a guilty plea to one count of possession of narcotics namely methamphetamine or ice weighing 0.04 grams contained in a zip lock. 

His co-defendant Trevor Aloese pleaded guilty to possession of a 0.22 rifle that had no permit. 

Lewis Brown and Fuivai Pinati Patelesio pleaded not guilty to a joint charge of possession of utensils. 

Michael Chang Wong, Venus Etevise Chan Wong and Tasi Divine Chang Wong were represented by lawyer Faimalomatumua Mathew Lemisio. 

The couple and their son pleaded not guilty to the charges through their lawyer. 

Lesina Faualo was represented by lawyer Tuisa Tasi Patea. She did not make an appearance in court and a warrant of arrest was issued for her non-appearance. 

The rest of the defendants who remain in custody; Michael Victor, Lagani Pelenatino also known as Ikenasio, Meripa Choo Koon and Antonia Tuala denied charges of possession of narcotics namely marijuana against them. 

Justice Roma noted the defendants who were not represented by a lawyer did not submit a written affidavit to support a request for bail and will continue to be kept in custody. 

He added if the defendants wish to apply for bail they can do so through a written affidavit submitted before the Court on 26 February. 

Their hearing is scheduled for August while the defendants who have pleaded guilty will be sentenced on 14 March. 

 

By Matai'a Lanuola Tusani T - Ah Tong 12 February 2024, 10:00PM
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