Samoa’s Acting Police Commissioner has called for Alii ma Faipule Village Councils to take the lead in a nationwide crackdown against the drug pandemic now prevalent in Samoa.
The Ministry of Police and Prisons have arrested 44 suspects following a series of raids in the villages Apia, Lelata, Leone, Vailele, Fagali’i Uta, Falelauniu Tai, Vaitele Fou, Leauvaa, Toamua-uta, Nuu-fou and Sinamoga.
The seven raids this week, between the 16th and 23rd of this month.
Leiataua Samuelu Afamasaga said the seven raids between 16-23 December saw 17 suspects arrested – two women and 15 men.
The 17 suspects aged between 25 and 50 will remain at Tanumalala Prison until the 17th of February 2026 to appear in Court.
Police confiscated 2.73 grams of methamphetamine and 1.07 grams of marijuana from this weeks raids.
Cash confiscated included Samoan tala: $2,768.00, American dollars: $568.00, NZD: $1,525, AUD: $300 and FJD: $20.00.
According to Leiataua, for this month alone from the 4th to the 23rd of December, Samoa Police have carried out a series of raids, resulting in 44 arrests.
Of those arrested, 35 are men and nine are women. Some have been released on bail while the majority are remanded in custody.
The Acting Police Commissioner raised serious concerns over the increasing number of people found in possession of narcotics.
He called on Alii ma Faipule to support the Ministry, especially during this period as Samoa faces a growing drug crisis.
Leiataua said tackling drugs requires a collective effort to ensure Samoa remains drug-free.
Prime Minister Hon Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt has declared war on illicit drug trafficking now prevalent in Samoa and said his administration will be taking a zero-tolerance no-nonsense approach to drug trafficking.
A Police Officer was this week terminated for leaking intel to a targeted suspect of a drug raid operation. His actions placed fellow Officers in grave danger and brings the Police force into disrepute.
The Prime Minister revealed that amongst the 44 arrested are high level public figures working in good jobs including accountants and lawyers.
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