A court proceeding relating to a customs officer who was detained over his alleged involvement in importing methamphetamine has been referred to the District Court.

The defendant Pueleo Sefululua Peseta appeared in the Supreme Court on Monday and was released on bail, which was not opposed by the prosecution and Attorney General’s Office lawyer Fuifui Ioane when the bail application was made.

One of the conditions of his release from jail is that he reports to the police station as well as surrenders his travel documents. Lawyer Arthur Lesa is acting on his behalf. 

Peseta is facing one count of importation of methamphetamine in the country from the United States from December to February this year. 

The defendant has been charged under the Customs Act and is from the village of Vailele and Vaito’omuli Savai’i.

Supreme Court Justice Fepuleai Ameperosa Roma said the charge that the defendant is facing comes under the jurisdiction of the District Court and therefore referred the matter to the lower court.

The defendant has been kept in custody since he was charged earlier this month.

Police had estimated the street value of the imported 500 grams methamphetamine to be within the vicinity of $500,000. It was allegedly hidden in boxes of cereal and other products.