A man has been sentenced in the Supreme Court of Tonga for possessing more than 3.5 kilograms of methamphetamine, with the court also ordering the forfeiture of cash, a vehicle, and mobile phones linked to the offence.
Rodney ‘Ofa ki Tafuna Tōmasi was convicted and sentenced to 13 years’ imprisonment, with the final two years suspended, after being found guilty of possessing the drugs.
The Court found that he played a significant role in the drug supply chain, highlighted by his direct communication with an overseas supplier, Ika ‘Ofa, his dealings with an informant, and the substantial quantity of methamphetamine in his possession.
His sentencing had been delayed several times to allow for submissions, documentation, and the preparation of a presentence report by the Probation Office.
In its submissions, the Crown sought a starting point of 15 years’ imprisonment, relying on comparable authorities and the volume of the drugs.
The Crown also asked the Court to order the forfeiture of assets linked to the offending, including a Mazda motor vehicle, more than $21,000 in cash, and two mobile phones used in drug-related communications.
Mitigating submissions filed on behalf of Tōmasi highlighted his family circumstances, personal background, and letters of support from his local community, including the town officer of Lapaha, a parish priest, and members of his family.
Defence counsel proposed a lower starting point of 13 years, suggesting a final sentence of between 8 and 9 years with partial suspension.
The presentence report recommended that rehabilitation was possible and supported a partially suspended sentence.
In delivering the sentence, Lord Chief Justice Bishop said the Court had considered all submissions but stressed that each case must be determined on its own facts. He noted the serious harm caused by illicit drugs in Tonga and the Court’s responsibility to deter such offending.
A starting point of 15 years was adopted, reflecting international comparative sentencing bands and the scale of the offending.
The Court deducted two years to account for Tōmasi being a first-time drug offender, despite having historic convictions more than a decade old.
The final two years of the 13-year sentence were suspended for three years under conditions, including probation supervision, compliance with reporting requirements, and a condition not to commit any imprisonable offence.
The custodial term was backdated to 14 November 2025. The Court also ordered the destruction of the methamphetamine by incineration and the forfeiture of the vehicle, cash, and mobile phones used in connection with the offending.
Mr Bishop said the orders reflected the seriousness of the crime and the need to protect the community from the ongoing harms of illicit drugs.
Tōmasi will now serve 11 years in prison, followed by a two-year suspended period under supervision and strict conditions.
