Fijian citizen sentenced to 6 months in jail for drugs

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, Samoa – 30 May 2025 – A Fijian citizen, Rupeni Lupu has been sentenced to 6 months in prison after pleading guilty to possession of narcotics.

He was in tears after the sentence was read out and he will be deported after serving his time.

Lupu was arrested at Fagalii Airport in April after Customs seized a zip-lock bag containing methamphetamine and a pipe.

In sentencing, Justice Leitaualesa Daryl Clarked deducted several months from two years starting point due to his early plea, his health condition and family waiting for him in New Zealand. Also deducted were the number of days he was held in custody.

Lupu was traveling from American Samoa and on transit in Samoa bound for New Zealand.