Police v Taateo [2010] WSSC 140 (12 July 2010)

IN THE SUPREME COURT OF SAMOA
HELD AT MULINUU

BETWEEN:

THE POLICE
Informant

AND:

SIONE TAATEO, male of Gagaifo Lefaga and Saleaula Savaii.
Defendant

Counsels: Ms. F. Vaai for prosecution
Ms T. Toailoa on behalf of Ms Papalii for the defendant

Sentence: 12 July 2010

SENTENCE

Sione I am sure you have been told before the maximum penalty for this offence is 7 years in prison. I am sure you have also been told that the penalties are especially harsh on people who deal in, sell or cultivate prohibited drugs especially those who do so for commercial purposes. Those who make a living out of unlawful drugs can expect little leniency when they come to the court.

You were caught in possession of 84 seeds of marijuana and it is clear that you are either a grower or a distributor of marijuana. Considering the quantity that was found in your possession I use a start point of 4 years in prison. I will deduct one-third of the sentence for your guilty plea that leaves a balance of 32 months. There are factors in your favour which are referred to in the documents that the court has before it as well as were referred to by your counsel. For all those I make a general deduction of 12 months that leaves a balance of 20 months. You will be convicted and sentenced to 20 months in prison for this matter. That term is cumulative to any other term you are serving at present.

JUSTICE NELSON