Ads by Google Ads by Google

Samoa court convicts Canadian yachtie for drug possession

Courthouse in Apia Samoa

Apia, SAMOA — In Samoa a Canadian man who pleaded guilty to possession of narcotics and utensils has been convicted on three charges and fined $US1200.

The court has given the William Ernest Rockliffe 14 days to pay or face a 3 months jail term.

The 50-year-old had travelled to Samoa on a yacht but police raided the boat in August and found a bag containing MDMA and drug utensils

The court accepted the drugs were for personal use and not for commercial purposes.

In his decision, Justice Darryl Clarke, has rejected the application to discharge the defendant without conviction because the court should be hesitant in usurping the role of immigration and customs authorities.

The presiding judge says a critical role of immigration and customs authorities is to protect their borders from illicit importation of drugs.