What began as a routine school incident involving a Tonga College student in possession of cannabis leaves has led to the imprisonment of a Ha’ateiho man for nearly two years.
‘Aisea Pese Havea, 42, pleaded guilty to three charges: cultivating three cannabis plants (a Class B controlled drug) with a total weight of 2,300 grams; possession of 2.11 grams of cannabis; and possession of a homemade bong used for consuming illicit drugs.
He was also found in unlawful possession of ammunition, specifically four .22 calibre bullets, without a firearms licence.
The case unfolded when police received a report that a student, Salesi Fangaake, was found with cannabis leaves at Tonga College in February.
Officers arrived at the school, where Fangaake was with Deputy Principal Solo Lemoto.
The student admitted to picking the leaves from a taro plantation behind his home in Ha’ateiho—a plot belonging to his neighbour, Joe Masima.
Acting on this information, the Drugs Squad proceeded to Masima’s residence, where he and his wife were present.
Police were directed to the backyard taro plantation, where they discovered a small shelter.
Inside, they found a man—later identified as the Defendant, lying on a bed.
Nearby, officers spotted three plants resembling cannabis.
Police Officer Feinga informed Havea of their investigation into suspected illicit drugs.
He was cautioned of his rights but admitted ownership when questioned about the plants, stating they were marijuana.
Havea felt deep remorse and regretted his actions, the court documents show.
The probation officer reported that he could change if given the opportunity and recommended he attend the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Course with the Salvation Army as part of his sentence.
When Havea was arrested, he was still serving an active six-month suspension from a previous imprisonment case, which was factored into his latest sentencing.
During sentencing, the presiding judge, Petunia Tupou KC, said: ‘The defendant is not young and has breached the conditions of a suspended sentence.”
As a result, Havea was convicted and sentenced to one year and eight months in prison.
