Visitor caught with marijuana at Airport claims it is medicine

By Ioana Tupa'i 15 January 2018, 12:00AM

A visitor from the United States of America caught with marijuana in his possession at the airport has told the authorities the joint is for his medication.

John Robert Harden appeared before Chief Justice, His Honour Patu Tiava’asue Falefatu Sapolu, yesterday.

Harden, a U.S. citizen, arrived at the Faleolo International Airport on 8 January 2018.

He was allegedly found in possession of 2.7 grams of marijuana, which is equivalent to one joint.

His lawyer, Lefau Harry Schuster, entered guilty plea to the said charge.

But the defendant argued that the joint was for medical reasons. This is why he brought it into the country. 

Lefau further argued that his client had a medical certificate.

 It came from a qualified Physician, whose recommendations prove his client needs marijuana for medical reasons.

A decision is due today.

The defendant is scheduled to depart Samoa tomorrow.

By Ioana Tupa'i 15 January 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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