06 Sept 2020, Mulinuu Apia. The 44 year old man arrested during a police drug raid last month appeared in Court this week seeking bail.
Ipuauro Uili Sagato of Faleula-Uta and Lalomalava Savaii faces several charges following a police raid of a home where the Tactical Operations Squad (TOS) had seized illegal weapons and utensils commonly used to weigh narcotics.
At the time Police Commissioner Su’a Fuiavailiili Egon Keil said shoulder firearms, handguns and ammunition were recovered.
“Scales commonly used to weigh narcotics, and smoke pipes used to inhale narcotics were also confiscated,” the Police Commissioner had said at the time.
A number of unlawful weapons and ammunitions including seven pistols, nine rifles and a .22 handgun were all seized during the operation.
Represented by defense counsel Unasa Iuni Sapolu, the accused is charged with posession of utensils, possession of unlawful weapons, and possession of unlicensed firearms.
The accused did change into a shirt and tie for his Court appearance but was seen jumping out of the police van in pants and a singlet.
Prosecution opposed bail as Sagato also faces charges in the District Court scheduled for .22 October this year.
The Court has scheduled a hearing for his bail application later this month.
