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Man re-arrested with 4 marijuana joints faces felony charges

Just say no to marijuana graphic

A 25-year-old man who was released by the court 5 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.

Meripa 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 from whom he got the drugs.

The green leafy substance that was found in the vehicle tested positive for THC, an active ingredient of marijuana.