19 March 2021, Mulinuu Apia. A mechanic arrested during a police raid at Faleula-Uta in August 2020 was today handed an imprisonment term by District Court Judge Leota Raymond Schuster.
Ipuauro Uili Sagato, 45, of Faleula-Uta and Lalomalava Savaii was charged with possession of illegal weapons and unlicensed firearms after the Samoa Police Tactical Operations Squad (TOS) raided his home and mechanical shop.
At the time, police reported utensils commonly used to weigh narcotics and smoke pipes used to inhale narcotics had also been confiscated during the raid.
The charges against Mr Sagato were transferred down to the District Court, however, when police could not provide enough evidence for drug related charges against him.
An emotional Ipuauro was seen outside Court today saying goodbye and comforting his family.
Defense Counsel Unasa Iuni Sapolu said her client was sentenced to 2 years and 4 months, and should be eligible for parole in 10 months.
She added that as a businessman, Mr Sagato would sometimes take possessions of value from his clients, to hold as bond when they owe him money for services.
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