Ads by Google Ads by Google

Farmer from Samoa ordered to serve 12 months for marijuana possession

Just say no to marijuana symbol
ausage@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A farmer from Samoa convicted of drug possession has been sentenced to probation and ordered to depart the territory after serving 12 months of his 5-year sentence.

Siolo Tunufa’i appeared in court last week for sentencing.

He was initially charged with unlawful possession of marijuana; however, under a plea agreement with the government, accepted by the court, Tunufa’i pled guilty to an amended charge of unlawful possession of a controlled substance (marijuana), a class D felony.

Tunufa’i admits that he had marijuana at his plantation in Futiga when police searched his home.

During sentencing Tunufa’i apologized for breaking the law. He said the 6 months and 2 weeks he’s spent in jail have taught him a lesson.

He said using drugs is not only illegal, it’s also not good for a person like him - who came to the territory in search of a good future for his family.

He begged the court for another chance so he can return home to find another job so he can care for his elderly parents, who depend on him financially. “I come from a poor family who only depend on a plantation to survive. I came here to earn a good living for my parents, but it’s sad to see how things ended up like this. What I did was wrong, and I assure the court that if I am given another chance, I will never be in this courtroom again,” said Tunufa’i.

Both parties asked for a probated sentence, under the condition that Tunufa’i depart the territory and remain outside of its borders for the duration of probation, due to his illegal immigration status.

The court sentenced Tunufa’i to 5 years at the TCF, and a $5,000 fine. Execution of sentence is suspended and he is placed on probation for the duration of detention under certain conditions.

Tunufa’i is to serve 12 months, and the balance is stayed on the condition that he depart the territory and remain outside of its borders for the duration of probation. He is credited the 6 months and 2 weeks he has served in pretrial confinement.