The main defendant in police drug raids two weeks ago has waived his rights to a preliminary examination in District Court.
Cody Wood of Taputimu fwas entitled to a probable cause hearing in District Court to determine if there was engouh evidence to bind his case over to High Court.
However he waived his PX today .
Wood will have his arraignment in High Court on Wednesday, on charges of unlawful possession of a controlled substance, and unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.
The defendant remains behind bars on bail of $200,0000.
On Thursday, November 9, the Vice and Narcotics Division of the Department of Public Safety executed search warrants of a home in Alofau, Cody’s home in Taputimu and a taxi which was flagged down on the highway.
The haul from the raids included crustal methamphetamine with a street value of up to $55,000, marijuana valued at between $20,000 and $25,000, three weapons, and ammunition.
Police also found more than $54,000 in cash in the Wood home.
Also arrested was former police officer Steve Tuato’o however he had not been formally charged when the 48-hour limit for persons to be held without charges being filed, expired.
Tuatoo is believed to have left the territory.
Commissioner of Public Safety Lei Sonny Thompson who returned from off island Friday was reached by cell phone today but he said that he was heading to Apia for another conference and is unable to answer our questions concerning the whereabouts of Tuatoo.
Acting Commissioenr Falanaipupu Taase Sagapolutele has not returned phone messages.
The third suspect charged in connection with the raids is taxi driver Lemalie Taisia.
