The Supreme Court has imposed life sentences on two individuals for smuggling over 1.1kg of methamphetamine.
Mr Fine Tevita Fifita, 31, and Ms Vaivevea Mafi, 45, were each sentenced to life imprisonment after the Supreme Court confirmed they knowingly imported 1,157.4 g of methamphetamine concealed within laundry‑powder buckets in a shipping container from the US.
The container, transported by MV Mount Cameron in April 2023, bore falsified consignee details linking Mafi to the illicit cargo. Upon interception, authorities found it was declared as clothing, shoes and candy. Under Tonga’s Illicit Drugs Control Act, possession of over 28 g of Class A drugs mandates life sentences.
Prosecution evidence, including Facebook chat logs, import documents and sample tests, demonstrated their awareness. Justice Petunia Tupou rejected their denials, describing the plan as “coordinated” and “beyond any reasonable doubt”. Fifita was also found guilty of attempting to bribe law enforcement, using slang like “ice” and offering money during investigations. Mafi was complicit, agreeing to be named as consignee.
These convictions highlight Tonga’s increased enforcement amid a national meth “superhighway” crisis, with seizures exceeding 97 kg between 2018 and mid‑2024. The case highlights growing domestic and international drug‑smuggling networks using maritime routes.
Authorities continue to clamp down further on organised crime links and reinforce border monitoring.
