While all attention is focused on coronavirus, Associate Justice Fiti Sunia says “we have a virus of our own and its been here for many years, That virus is called ice. ”
A Samoa News report says the judge made the comments when he sentenced Sanelivi Iopu for drugs.
Iopu initially faced a felony charge of unlawful possession of a controlled substance methamphetamine but undr a plea agreement he pled guilty to the lesser charge of unlawful possession of methamphetamine, a Class D felony, carrying a maximum sentence of up to five years imprisonment a fine of $5,000 or both.
The defendant admitted that in October of last year when police searched him during a public peace disturbance incident, he possessed a glass pipe containing ice.
Both the defendant and his wife asked the court for release so that Iopu could take care of his wife and kids.
Defense Attorney Assistant Public Defender Rob McNeil said Iopu was a family man who worked hard to provide for his family. But he lost his job when he was arrested in this matter.
McNeil asked for a probated sentence.
Prosecutor Assistant Attorney General Laura Garvey supported the request for a probated sentence saying the government believes Iopu was truly remorseful and is a suitable candidate for probation.
Garvey also pointed out that the defendant has served 5 and a half months in custody.
Before delivering sentence Associate Justice Sunia discussed the territory’s drug problem and its effects on many young lives and families.
He quoted the pre sentence report that the defendant was a hard working man with a federal job in the territory. It’s believed that Iopu was a National Park employee before his arrest.
The court noted that the defendant’s involvement with drugs not only tore his happy family life apart it also cost him his federal job.
Associate Justice Sunia said what set Iopu’s case apart from other similar cases before the court was that he was living a useful life until he was arrested.
He advised the defendant to put a stop to this behavior before it gets worse and he will not want to see the bad outcome and the consequences of his actions.
Iopu was sentenced to five years imprisonment and fined $2,000. The sentence is suspended in lieu of probation of five years.
Iopu is to serve 20 months without release, and he’s credited for the time he’s been in custody . All but 14 months will be stayed until further order of the court, and Iopu will serve just 6 months.
Assisting Sunia on the bench were Chief Associate Judge Mamea Sala Jr and Tunupopo Alalafaga.
