One of two people charged after marijuana was discovered in a package sent through the US Postal Service earlier this year has been sentenced to 2 years probation and fined $1000.
Samoa News reports that former customs officer, Fiatupu Tavai, appeared before Judge Fiti Sunia last Friday morning for sentencing.
Tavai was initially charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, a class D felony.
He had offered through his attorney, Marcellus T. Uiagalelei no contest on the charges.
Tavai He was charged along with Logona Tigilau, also a former customs officer.
Given the defendant’s background including his education, number of years of service to the government, his services with his family, village and church, the court felt that what happened was not a reflection of who he is.
“This is an isolated incident and it appears that he was willing to assist his family member without knowing there was anything illegal behind his action,” Sunia said.
Tavai’s co defendant Tigilau’s case is still pending in High Court, and his jury trial is now set for June 2020.
Tigilau, a relative of Tavai is out on a surety bond to await his trial.
