Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The case against the third defendant arrested after armed detectives of the DPS Vice & Narcotics Unit executed two search warrants two years ago in Petesa and Tafuna is now scheduled for trial.

Due to the COVID-19 lock down, all jury trials have been put on hold until further notice, however, the court has already advised attorneys for all the inmates wishing to exercise their rights to a fair trial that the option available for them is a Bench Trial.

Misia Siua appeared in High Court last week for a status hearing. When the case was called, the court was told that both parties were unable to reach an agreement, therefore, Siua’s case is to go to trial.

Siua, who is still in custody unable to post a $15,000 cash bond, is charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance, to wit; methamphetamine with intent to distribute; and unlawful possession of a controlled substance, to wit; methamphetamine — both class D felonies.

BACKGROUND

A search of a Chevrolet Silverado pick up for which a search warrant was issued, found a black pouch with $1,589 mainly in $20 bills, a large glass pipe commonly used to smoke crystal methamphetamine, plastic baggies containing crystalline substances, and many cut up straws, which are associated with the use of ice.

The  vehicle, which was driven by defendant Misi Siua, was parked in front of a store in Tafuna when a police sergeant approached the driver and informed him of a search warrant, according to the court affidavit.