Former Assistant Electoral Commissioner Jailed 

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 11 NOVEMBER 2022: The former Assistant Electoral Commissioner, Afualo Daryl Mapu is now serving a 1 year and 6 months prison sentence after he was found guilty of 6 charges that include the possession of narcotics and illegal firearms.

In passing sentence yesterday, Justice Tafaoimalo Leilani Tuala Warren deducted several months from a 3 years starting point based on the mitigating factors in favour of Afualo.

Then deducted 6 months for his personal circumstances, 6 months for the village penalty and another 6 months for his contribution to society. But she also noted concern over a Class A narcotics and firearms found in the defendant’s home where he lives with his wife and children.

“The existence of glass pipes leads me to infer that he is a user. This drug commonly known as “ice” which was found on him is highly addictive and destructive,” said Justice Warren.

“The accused is convicted of possession of narcotics namely 1.6g of methamphetamine, and sentenced to 1 year and 6 months imprisonment,” said Justice Warren.

She said that it was the norm for a custodian sentence when it comes to narcotics charges.

For possession of an unlawful 9mm pistol, a 22 pistol semiautomatic and a 357 magnum pistol revolver, he was convicted and sentenced to 9 months.

For an unregistered 12 gauge shotgun and a 22 rifle and semiautomatic, he was convicted and sentenced to 3months.

For the possession of unlawful 23 live rounds of ammunition, he was convicted and sentenced to 9 months and for possession of ammunition without a permit, he was convicted and sentenced to 3 months.

All the sentences related to firearms are to be served concurrently with the narcotics sentence of 1 year and 6 months.

She also made an order to deduct the number of days he was under police custody from the sentence.

Afualo’s lawyer Su’a Leone Mailo is appealing the decision and the appeal will be included in the next Supreme Court mentions.