Three individuals have been sentenced in connection with a methamphetamine case involving more than 34 grams of the illicit drug.
The prisoners are Mateni Neiufi of ‘Utulau with his partner Mavis Fusimālohi and Irvin Fukofuka from Fo’ui.
Neiufi faced two charges: possession of 20.92g of methamphetamine and unlawful possession of drug-related utensils, including a weighing scale, straw, and multiple empty packs.
Fusimalohi was charged with three counts of drug possession of 13.52g of methamphetamine and two counts of unlawful possession of utensils. Items seized include 0.19g of methamphetamine, a weighing scale, empty packs, and smoking pipes.
Fukofuka was also charged with possession of 20.92g of methamphetamine and unlawful possession of drug-related equipment.
Tip-Off Leads to Arrests
Police acting on a tip-off raided the area outside a Houma restaurant and discovered two vehicles, according to court documents.
Fukofuka and Fusimalohi were inside one vehicle, while Neiufi was either in or just outside the other. Along with the drugs and paraphernalia listed in the indictment, officers discovered at least $3,340 in the driver’s seat of Fukofuka’s car.
Neiufi and Fusimalohi’s early guilty pleas and demonstrated remorse were mitigating factors the court considered, resulting in partial suspension of their sentences. Chief Justice Bishop KC sentenced Neiufi to four years’ imprisonment, with the final 12 months suspended on conditions.
Mr Bishop sentenced Fusimalohi to two years’ imprisonment, with the final 12 months suspended on conditions.
Sentencing Fukofuka, who pleaded not guilty, Lord Chief Justice Bishop has handed down a prison sentence to Irvin Fukofuka, citing his repeated involvement in drug-related offences and breach of a previously suspended sentence.
The court heard that Fukofuka had prior convictions, including a 2020 drug offence and a suspended sentence imposed in February 2024 for unlawful possession of drug utensils. That suspended sentence was still active when he committed the current offences.
Justice Bishop noted that Fukofuka’s actions showed intent to supply methamphetamine, supported by the quantity of drugs and cash found in his possession. Despite acknowledging some positive character references, the judge said there were no grounds for mitigation.
Fukofuka was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment for drug possession, with an additional six months for possession of utensils, to be served concurrently. The court also activated the full four-month suspended sentence from 2024.
