A man who brandished a firearm at Faleolo International Airport earlier this year, threatening and endangering members of the public, has been denied bail by the District Court. 

Toese Tuuaga, also known as Toese Neemia Tuuaga from Vaimoso, faces nine charges from three separate incidents in March and April this year. 

The charges include two counts of presenting a firearm, one count each of being armed without a lawful purpose, possession of an unregistered firearm, possession of an unlawful firearm, resisting police, and possession of live ammunition without a lawful purpose. He also faces two counts of making threats to kill. The charges relate to the unlawful possession and use of a .38 pistol revolver and a 12-gauge live round, with potential penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment terms of up to five years. 

The firearm charges stem from an incident on 19 March at Faleolo International Airport, where Tuuaga’s actions posed serious security risks to members of the public and civil servants.

 “It also posed a threat to civil aviation security. In its aftermath, it prompted SAA to start screening all vehicles entering the Airport out of caution. Although the legality of this process was challenged leading to its ceasing, it does not mitigate the fact that there was a real and significant risk to public safety and civil aviation security prompting the Airport Authority to react the way they did,” said District Court Judge Alalatoa Viane Rosella Papalii who handed down the decision on Friday.

Tuuaga, has pleaded not guilty to all charges through his lawyer Josephine Fuimaono. Prosecutor Inspector Seiuli Richard Ah Ching opposed bail, citing Tuuga's criminal history, risk of reoffending, and concerns for public safety. 

The court heard that Tuuaga has prior convictions in Samoa and New Zealand, including rape, assault, and firearm offences, and was a deportee with a prohibition on re-entry to New Zealand.

Judge Alalatoa, in her ruling, said Tuuaga had previously failed to appear in court and actively evaded police for over three weeks. “The protection of the community and safety of the public is a significant factor,” Judge Alalatoa said

Judge Alalatoa ruled there was “just cause” for continued detention, citing Tuuaga’s uncooperative conduct, outstanding charges, and the serious nature of the alleged offences.

“The court record and previous conviction record of the defendant speak for themselves,” Judge Alalatoa said. 

Tuuaga will remain in custody and will reappear in court for a two-day hearing scheduled to start in 13 August.