A businesswoman and a man have denied charges connected to illicit drugs confiscated by the police from a recent raid at Lotopa this month. 

Doris Te’o and John Petelo Tia appeared before Supreme Court Judge Justice Fepuleai Ameperosa Roma to answer the charges against them. 

Mrs Teo was represented by Tanya Toailoa and pleaded not guilty. 

The duo are jointly charged with one count of possession of methamphetamine that was found in a ziplock bag weighing 0.84 grams and one count of possession of utensils namely a clear glass pipe. 

The pair were charged after a police raid in Lotopa on 12 September 2024 with the third defendant being called separately. 

The third defendant, Joe Ulugia was represented by Ann Matalasi and is yet to enter a plea. 

Meanwhile, Mr Tia denied the two charges against him and is being detained in custody. 

He had asked for bail. Justice Roma told the defendant he needed to submit a written application and submit a copy to the prosecution for their consideration. 

Justice Roma noted given the criminal record of Mr Tia he was unlikely to be granted bail. 

Mrs Teo is on bail while the co-defendants are in custody with their trial scheduled for 11 March 2025. 

A member of the public contacted the Samoa Observer raising concerns alleging unfair treatment of Mrs. Teo being released on bail while the other defendants were kept in custody. 

Normally defendants charged with possession of illicit drugs are kept in custody until their first appearance in court where the presiding judge will decide on their release.