Ads by Google Ads by Google

Update: Arraignment today for man allegedly bringing meth into TCF

Court Report logo
ausage@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The case against a man who was arrested and charged for allegedly trying to smuggle drugs into the TCF has been bound over to High Court.

Sione “Kaisa” Lui made his initial appearance in District Court last week. He is charged with one count of unlawful distribution of a controlled substance (methamphetamine); and one count of unlawful possession of meth — both felonies, each carrying a maximum punishment of 20 years in jail, a $20,000 fine or both.

If Lui is able to post the court-ordered $10,000 bond, he is to remain law abiding, not leave or attempt to leave the island, and not make any direct or indirect contact with the government’s witnesses.

Patea denied the defense motion for bail reduction. Defense attorney Anna Whiles argued that her client is not a flight risk, and he is not a danger to the community. She described Lui as a family man and said the case against him is based on allegations.

Prosecutor Laura Garvey didn’t agree, and neither did Patea.

PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION

Probable cause was found and the case against Lui has been bound over to High Court.

The government alleges that Lui had something to do with straws containing meth that were smuggled into the TCF a few months back.

Despite the defense’s argument that no drugs were found on Lui’s body, Judge Patea said it was clear from the evidence that there was a witness who identified Lui as the person who delivered the case of water that contained the illegal drugs into the TCF on the night in question.

At last week’s PX, both sides called one witness each. For the prosecution, it was Det. Motu Tafaovale. For the defense, it was Lui’s father.

According to Tafaovale’s testimony, TCF officials reported that 2 straws containing meth were found inside a case of water that was delivered to the prison’s front gate on the night of May 19th.

Several people were interviewed, with one witness identifying the defendant as the person who delivered the case of water.

Tafaovale testified that two other witnesses were interviewed, and the pair claimed that around 8p.m. on the night in question, they picked Lui up in front of a popular restaurant in the Tafuna area and from there, they delivered the water case to the TCF.

The two witnesses told police that it was Lui who handed over the case of water to TCF officials who were at the front gate when they arrived that night. Afterwards, Lui was dropped off in front of the SPA campus about an hour later.

On cross examination, Whiles asked Tafaovale if any drugs were found in her client’s possession when police searched him. The witness said no. Whiles wanted to know if her client was ever searched for drugs. Tafaovale said no.

“So, the government’s case is mainly based on the testimony of several witnesses?” Whiles asked. Tafaovale replied, “The case is based on information police gathered from several witnesses, which turned out to be the truth.”

Lui’s father took the stand next.

He testified that he works as a security guard at SPA and most of the time, he takes his family to keep him company and help him if he needs anything.

He explained that he is on the clock from 9 p.m.- 5a.m. everyday.

And on the night of May 19th, according to the witness, he, his wife, his daughter and two sons — including the defendant — were all at his workplace. He said they left home around 8p.m that night and they all rode in one vehicle.

The witness testified that his son — the defendant — never left SPA at anytime, and he was there with him during his entire shift. “My son Sione was there with me the whole night.”

Lui, who remains in custody unable to post bond, is set to appear in High Court this morning for arraignment.