Man who allegedly ran a stop sign now charged with drug and alcohol offenses

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The driver of a pick-up truck pulled over by police officers last month for failure to stop at a stop sign is now charged with violating local drug laws. The pick-up almost collided with another vehicle.

Meki Iafeta was taken into custody when police discovered two small baggies containing white crystalline substance in his possession.

When asked about the reason why he didn’t stop at the stop sign, he told police that he was in a rush to pick up his elderly mother-in-law from home to take her to the hospital for a medical appointment. It was during this conversation, officers smelled a strong odor of alcohol coming from the driver’s breath and asked Iafeta if he was under the influence of alcohol, to which he replied, “No.”

Officers asked the driver again if he’s sure that he’s not under the influence of alcohol, the driver paused for few seconds before he replied, “Yes, I consumed a few beers at my friend’s house and I also got some illegal stuff on me.”

Officers asked the driver what stuff he was referring to, the driver replied, “illegal meth that my friend gave to me to take home.” Officers then instructed the driver to step out of his vehicle.

It was at that time the driver pulled out two small baggies containing a white substance and handed them over to police officers. He also pulled from his left pocket one hand rolled marijuana cigarette and handed it over to the officers. A pat down was conducted and nothing else was found.

The driver was transported to the Tafuna Police Station (TPS) for further investigation, and his vehicle was also impounded.

After being Mirandized, Iafeta told investigators that wanted to make a statement regarding the incident.

According to his written statement, Iafeta told investigators that the illegal drugs found in his possession were given to him by his friend from Iliili. Iafeta stated that he visited his friend’s house after work and had a few beers before heading back home.

During their drinking session, his friend gave him meth and marijuana for his personal use. The defendant further stated to investigators that he knew that his friend has been involved in selling drugs from his home. He told investigators that he doesn’t sell drugs but he only uses them.

Iafeta made his initial appearance in court last month.

He’s charged with one count of unlawful possession of meth and one count of unlawful possession of marijuana, both unclassified felonies, along with a class A misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI).

Bail was set at $10,000.