California man faces prison for smuggling methamphetamine into Tahiti

A 21-year-old Californian carpenter of Hispanic origin faces a requested seven-year prison sentence after being arrested at Tahiti Faa’a Airport on September 13. Customs officials discovered 4.139 kg of methamphetamine in his luggage.

The defendant testified during an immediate appearance that he was recruited by a colleague named José for $2,000 and accommodation in an Airbnb. He claimed he acted to support his family and expressed regret for his actions.

The prosecutor described the drug quantity as being capable of producing 200,000 doses, calling it a “fléau pour la Polynésie française” (scourge for French Polynesia). In addition to imprisonment, the prosecution is seeking a fine of 300 million CFP francs, representing the market value of the drugs in Papeete.