Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A 29-year-old man who was released by the court 3 months ago on his own recognizance under the condition that he remain law abiding and stay alcohol and drug free, is now facing felony drug charges after he was re-arrested last week for alleged possession of marijuana.

Akeripa Filisi made his initial appearance in District Court last week.

Filisi, who was charged last month with public peace disturbance (PPD), a class B misdemeanor, is now charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, and unlawful possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, both class D felonies, punishable by imprisonment of 5-10 years and a fine of $5,000-$20,000.

Bond is set at $10,000 and a preliminary examination is next Friday, Apr. 24th at 10a.m.

THE CASE

On the evening of Apr. 5th, detectives of the DPS Vice & Narcotics Unit received information regarding a truck that was pulled over by traffic cops on the east side of the island. Illegal drugs were allegedly discovered in the back seat of the vehicle.

During the course of the investigation, detectives learned that the driver, Filisi, was released 3 months ago following an arrest and PPD charge.

A search of the vehicle, conducted in Filisi’s presence, uncovered a black pouch in the back seat of the truck containing a medium plastic baggie holding 4 rolled cigarette joints (green leafy substance) that appeared to be marijuana. Also inside was a wallet with Filisi’s driver's license and personal documents.

Police also discovered a separate medium sized plastic bag, containing cash and rolling papers. After the vehicle was searched, Filisi was taken into custody for further questioning.

In his statement to police, Filisi admitted that the vehicle, along with the illegal drugs discovered inside the black pouch, all belong to him. He told investigators that he had just returned from delivering drugs to two other people, and he got the marijuana joints from another male, and he was selling each joint for $10.

Police noted the name of the person Filisi said he got the drugs from.

The green leafy substance that was found in the vehicle tested positive for marijuana.

IAKOPO FAGALILO

A 24-year-old man is being charged with unlawful possession of drugs and for allegedly trying to break into a store in Nu’uuli. Iakopo Fagalilo made his initial appearance in District Court last week.

Fagalilo who has a long history in the court system, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, and second degree attempted burglary — both class D felonies, along with disturbing the public peace (PPD), a class B misdemeanor.

Bond is set at $5,000.

THE ALLEGATION

Police were alerted by a woman who reported that a young male tried to break in to a Nu’uuli store by trying to open the back window on the morning Apr. 4th, 2020 around 1:32a.m.

Police responded to the call and the woman, who had called the police, provided a description of the clothes the suspect was wearing — black shorts with white T-shirt. In their search for the suspect, police observed a young male standing at a bus stop in Nuuuli, whose clothes matched the description the caller gave them regarding the suspect.

As police tried to speak to the young male, he immediately took off on foot and several police officers chased after him, and were able to apprehend him. He was later identified as Iakopo Fagalilo.

A body search of Fagalilo netted 3 small stamp-sized baggies containing a white crystalline substance inside his right pocket.

Fagalilo told police that his friend from Kokoland gave him the small stamp-sized baggies for helping him with his plantation last week. When asked about his involvement in the alleged attempted break-in at a Nu’uuli store, Fagalilo said his two friends waiting for him at his uncle’s house in Malaeimi told him to find a way to get them more beer.

Fagalilo said his intention was to break into the store to look for money to buy beer for them, however, his plan did not go according to the plan when a couple called out to him to go away because they’re calling police.

The white crystalline substance from the 3 small stamp-sized baggies tested positive for meth.