Folauhola Palanite and his wife Mele lived in Havelu.[1] Acting Justice Langi sentenced them at the Supreme Court in Nuku’alofa on 22 October 2026.[1] Folauhola was sentenced to 21 months in prison, with the final six months suspended for two years.[1] Mele was sentenced to 15 months in prison, fully suspended for two years, on conditions including a drug awareness course and 60 hours of community work.[1] Both had pleaded guilty to three charges: possessing 40.07 grams of cannabis, possessing another 3.89 grams, and unlawful possession of a bong and 150 empty packets used for smoking and packing drugs.[1]

Police said two Havelu residents had been arrested and charged after an operation on 29 January 2026.[2] The court heard that police received information that evening that Folauhola, also known as Tusa, was selling cannabis in Havelu.[1] An officer posing as a buyer arranged to purchase $100 worth of cannabis, and Folauhola told him to wait at the taxi stand in Havelu, opposite Liahona Middle School.[1] Mele arrived in a red vehicle with two children in the back, and identified a packet containing cannabis when police stopped and searched the vehicle.[1] A search of the couple’s home found more cannabis, the 150 empty packets and a homemade bong hidden in their bedroom.[1] Mele denied knowledge of the drugs and said her husband had told her to take a package from a tree and deliver it.[1] Mele was arrested and taken into custody at the Central Police Station.[1] Folauhola was arrested the next day, 30 January, when he went to the station to ask about her and admitted the cannabis was his.[1]

The Crown said the quantity of cannabis and the 150 empty packets suggested the couple were preparing and supplying the drug, and that the amount raised a statutory presumption of supply.[1] The judge called the 40 grams on the first count a serious aggravating factor, saying the sheer amount clearly indicated an intent to supply.[1] Folauhola had 14 previous convictions, mostly for housebreaking and theft, the last in 2022.[1] The judge said his record showed a disregard for the opportunities the courts had given him.[1] He agreed with the Crown that the long list of previous convictions meant Folauhola was not entitled to a full suspension.[1] Mele had no previous convictions.[1] The Crown submitted that her whole sentence be suspended on conditions.[1]