10 Apr 2006

Filipino jailed in America Samoa for drugs crime

1:53 pm on 10 April 2006

An American Samoan court has jailed a Filipino national, Hubert Vegara, for 15 years for possession of crystal methamphetamine and escape from confinement.

The sentences will be served consecutively.

On the night of December 30th in Pavaiai, police found in a car Vegara was driving a bag containing marijuana and a bank deposit bag with ice.

A few nights after he was jailed, the 26-year-old escaped but was caught by prison guards less than an hour later.

Associate Justice Lyle Richmond said it was clear that the defendant got himself deeply involved in the sale of methamphetamine which has a negative impact on the community and families.

He sentenced Vegara to the maximum 10 years for the drug offence which is wihtout parole and 5 years for escape.