Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A 34-year-old man who was released by the court two 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 for alleged possession of marijuana.

Calvin Fiu made his initial appearance in District Court last week. He was charged in October with public peace disturbance (PPD), a class B misdemeanor. But he is now charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, and unlawful possession of marijuana with 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, Dec. 27th.

THE CASE

On the evening of Dec. 4th, detectives of the DPS Vice & Narcotics Unit were contacted regarding a truck that was pulled over by traffic cops on the east side, wherein drugs were found.

During the course of the investigation, police learned that the driver, Fiu, was released two months prior, following an arrest for a PPD charge. A search of the vehicle, conducted in Fiu’s presence, uncovered a black pouch in the back seat containing a medium plastic baggie with 9 cigarette joints (green leafy substance) that appeared to be marijuana. Also inside was a wallet with F’iu’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, Fiu was taken in for questioning.

In his statement to police, Fiu admitted that the vehicle and the drugs found in the black pouch all belonged to him. He told investigators 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 Fiu said he got the drugs from.

The green leafy substance tested positive for marijuana.