The District Court found enough evidence during a preliminary hearing last week to bind the criminal case against Ameperosa La’asaga to the High Court for trial.
The defendant is charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, one count of unlawful possession of meth, one count of unlawful possession of marijuana and one count of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.
Samoa News reports that he has been released on a $15,000 surety bond.
The prosecution called one witness, the lead investigator on the matter, who told the court that DPS Vice and Narcotics Unit received information regarding a male named TAKA, who was later identified as Ameperosa La’asaga, selling meth from his Ottoville home.
The officer said, several controlled buys were set up with a Confidential Informant buying from La’asaga in Ottoville, as well as his parents home at Happy Valley.
The court refused an attempt by the defense to name the informant.
“This is a probable cause hearing. You can argue that motion in the High Court,” said the Judge.
Laasaga has entered a not guilty plea to the charges against him and his pretrial conference is now set for Aug. 26th, 2022.
