Ads by Google Ads by Google

Taxi driver from Samoa pleads guilty to possession of marijuana

Just say no to marijuana
ausage@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A man accused of violating local drug laws has admitted to the charge against him.

Luluga Onosa’i, a 35-year-old taxi driver from Samoa, pled out last week.

Onosa’i was initially charged with one count of unlawful possession of a controlled substance (marijuana), a felony punishable by not less than 5 nor more than 10 years in jail, and a fine between $5,000 and $20,000, or both.

But under a plea agreement with the government, Onosa’i pled guilty to the amended count of unlawful possession of a controlled substance (marijuana). With his guilty plea, Onosa’i admits that on July 12, 2017 he unlawfully possessed 4 hand rolled marijuana cigarettes inside his taxi.

According to terms of the plea agreement, Onosai’s vehicle was involved in an accident in Matu’u on the early morning of July 12th. Several police officers responded to the scene and noticed that the driver of the taxi involved in the accident was nowhere to be seen.

Onosa’i was located a few feet away, hiding behind a house in an effort to avoid being questioned by police. When investigators asked Onosa’i to come with them to the DPS Tafuna substation for questioning, Onosa’i refused.

During the conversation, police noticed that Onosa’i was trying to hide a black pouch from them. When asked what was inside the black pouch, Onosa’i responded, “It’s some stuff from LANKY”.

When police opened the black pouch, they discovered 4 hand rolled cigarettes, which was tested positive for marijuana.

According to Onosa’i, the 4 marijuana joints in his possession were bought from a friend in Tafuna identified as “STU”.

Onosa’i, who has been in custody since his arrest, unable to post a $5,000 surety bond, will be sentenced next month.