The Supreme Court has once again echoed concerns about hard drugs being embedded in the community noting an increase in individuals being charged for possession of ice or methamphetamines. 

The latest person to be sentenced for possession of methamphetamine, possession of utensils and possession of unlawful firearms is Vaai Malo Logovii of Afega this week. 

Supreme Court Justice, Leiataualesa Daryl Clarke said in all cases except one that has come before the courts in Samoa involving ice every defendant has been sent to prison. 

“The Court’s very stern approach to ice sentencing should be no secret to anyone involved in ice, whether you are an importer, supplier or user,” said the Supreme Court Justice. 

“This I expect would also have been known to you.”  

Justice Clarke pointed out that ice is now embedded in the community with more people making their way to court for drug-related charges. 

“Where there is a demand for ice created by users, that demand will be filled by importers and dealers to the point that ice now, anecdotally is available for anyone who seeks it out," he said. 

"The courts have seen many ice users. I expect it is only a matter of time before a more steady stream of ice importers and dealers begin their journey through our courtrooms. 

"Whether you are an importer, dealer or user of ice, you should be under no illusion that you will be sternly punished by the Samoan courts.” 

Logovii was charged by police following a routine roadblock in November 2023 at Moataa. He was the driver of a car with two other passengers driving on the East Coast Road. 

According to the summary of facts, the defendant was queried by the police about his driver’s license and had told the authorities that he left it at home. 

Police later discovered the warrant of fitness was attached to the defendant’s car belonging to another vehicle. 

He was taken into custody and a body search was carried out and several illegal items were found on him including a ziplock bag containing methamphetamine weighing 0.12 grams

Police also found hidden inside his underwear a clear glass pipe. A search of the vehicle also found one 1.22 target pistol, one 9mm live round, one 30-30 live round.  

The accused is a 37-year-old man of Afega and is the second child of five children. He completed school up to Year 13 and then began to work for a motor mechanic business. 

He later drove a taxi for some years before opening his own mechanic business, though Justice Clarke noted it does not appear that he is a qualified motor mechanic.  

The Court adopted 22 years as a starting point on the methamphetamine charge on a totality basis and deducted time for remorse and personal circumstances and an early guilty plea. 

Accordingly, Justice Clarke sentenced the defendant to 12 months imprisonment for possession of methamphetamine and three months for other charges to be served concurrently. 

“It is a pity you did not heed the many earlier warnings by the Courts over the years about ice,” said Justice Clarke. 

“If you had you would not now be at Tanumalala prison. I hope others might learn from your story and the journey you now take to Tanumalala prison and decide to have nothing to do with this drug.” 

The defendant was represented by Arthur Lesa and the prosecutor was from the Officer of the Attorney General, Maiavatele Timothy Fesili.