Bail was denied for three accused who appeared before the Supreme Court on drug-related charges this week.

Muliaga Ioane Stanley, Maysabell Nickel and Anthony Kalepo Faafeu appeared unrepresented.

Prosecutor Maiavatele Timothy Fesili strongly opposed bail for the suspects especially for Stanley and Nickel because they had pending court matters for similar offences.

According to the prosecution, the three accused were caught by police in Stanley's car and found in possession of meth, marijuana and utensils on 16 January this year.

The police received tips from some members of the public suspecting these three possessed narcotics. The police then searched Stanley's vehicle on the date mentioned and found drugs and utensils.

They were arrested and appeared in court to enter their pleas.

Judge Justice Fepuleai Ameperosa Roma adjourned the matter to 24 February for the prosecution to finalise charges and for the defendants to seek legal counsel to represent them on their next court appearance.

Prosecutor Maiavatele requested the court that the defendants stay remanded because they had pending matters.

Stanley and Nickel were also arrested last year on 17 July during a police search at Stanley's house and the police found methamphetamine and utensils.

Nickel was present at Stanley's residence when the police raided the house. Both were arrested and charged.

The Office of the Attorney General confirmed that narcotics cases are mentioned daily in the courts.

An exact number of cases cannot be given at the moment but a source from the AG's office revealed that there were many cases of narcotics before the Supreme Court.

The Samoa Police, Prisons and Correction Services (SPPCS) have been working hard in the past years to tackle the rising numbers of people who are suspected to have been selling methamphetamine.

Earlier this week, a 15-year-old boy was among six defendants who were charged by the police after a drug raid at Lepea and Tulaele late last year.

This young teenager's matter has been referred to the Youth Court on 29 February for mention.