Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A tip from a confidential informant (CI) led to the arrest of Iosefa Su’a who is being held on bail of $10,000 on drug charges.

Su’a made his initial appearance in the District Court yesterday on two criminal counts, unlawful possession of the controlled substance of marijuana with intent to distribute and unlawful possession of controlled substance of marijuana.

According to the government’s case, Vice and Narcotics detectives received a call from a confidential informant last Friday citing the defendant was going to meet with a buyer and would be delivering liquid marijuana and marijuana pill capsules on Friday night.

“It was confirmed by the C.I. that Su’a was utilizing a certain vehicle to conduct his drug operation.” It was also confirmed by the C.I. that Su’a planned to meet with a buyer to make a drug transaction.

“At approximately 10:25pm Vice and Narcotics received more information from the C.I. that Su’a has parked in front of Nu'uuli/ Avau store by the sea and is meeting with a buyer.”

The police responded and allegedly observed the defendant’s vehicle pulled over next to another vehicle, which he entered through the passenger side door.

“Vice and Narcotics Detectives were given the order to intercept the drug operation,” and at this point detectives apprehended Su’a.

“It was revealed during the apprehension, Su’a had in his possession a clear package with three syringes containing a brownish liquid color substance and white pill bottle containing four white capsules inside,” according to the government’s case.

Su’a and the driver of the vehicle he had gotten into were apprehended and transported to the Fagatogo Police Station for further investigation.

The pills and the brownish liquid were tested using the Duquenois Levine Field Test kit and the results came back positive for THC/ marijuana.

Police also searched the vehicle that Su’a was found in and discovered four small white round containers containing a brownish substance and a baggie containing what appeared to be dried mushrooms.

The defendant’s girlfriend, who had accompanied him in his vehicle, was questioned regarding the contents of the small white containers and she said they belonged to the defendant, as it was his medication from Hawaii.

“She was also asked what was inside the clear Ziplog [sic] bag and she stated that it was `shrooms'.

“She further stated that she had no knowledge that the items were inside the car and knew nothing about it.”