Two men have been found guilty in connection to a drug bust in Toamua-uta while two women caught in the same operation had charges against them dismissed by the Supreme Court.

Four people were caught at the Toamua-uta property in May 2023 when a warrant was executed to raid the property.

Police confiscated methamphetamine, marijuana, firearms, and stolen electronic devices which all the defendants were jointly charged with. 

Those charged include; Vincent Patelesio Smith of Toamua-uta, Victoria Kalapu of Matautu, Laki Jr. Silva of Vaimoso, and Sharlene Fidow of Aleisa. 

All the defendants denied the charges against them ranging from possession of narcotics, possession of an unlawful weapon namely a 9mm semi-automatic pistol, and possession of utensils.   

Supreme Court Judge Justice Leiataualesa Daryl Clarke presided over the trial and his reserved verdict was handed down this week. 

He noted the prosecution evidence concerned the alleged possession of narcotics but it did not lead to evidence as to the alleged weight of the narcotics. 

Subsequently, he said the prosecution's oversight despite reference by the court to the absence of evidence as to the weight of meth. He agreed that it does not require the evidence of weight. 

Smith faced seven charges including possession of meth that was found contained in a small clear bag in his pants. 

The defendant claimed he had no knowledge of the meth found on him and had argued there were discrepancies in the prosecution evidence. 

Justice Clarke rejected the claim from Smith describing his evidence as insincere and uncredible. 

He found Smith guilty of possession of meth and marijuana, possession of unlawful weapon and utensils. 

Silva on the other hand was also found guilty of possession of marijuana while charges against Ms. Kalapu and Ms. Fidow were not proven and have been dismissed.