The target suspect of a Samoa Police drug raid was pre-warned by a Senior Officer close to the operation. Prime Minister Hon Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt told local media the Officer had called ahead and tipped off the suspect.
“When Police arrived [at the location of the raid] the Target was gone,” said Laaulialemalietoa during his Chirstmas eve press conference.
The target of the police raid is said to be one of the ringleaders of illicit drug trafficking in the country, but when Police arrived, only the suspect’s wife was home.
“We later found out that he [the target] was tipped off by this Officer..”
The Prime Minister said the Police Officer worked with the drug operation unit and he was privy to the intel and Information that was leaked.
Laaulialemalietoa said the element of surprise is not only crucial for the success of drug raid operations, but it is also critical for the safety of Police Officers.
“It is dangerous,” said the Prime Minister. “It could have led to bloodshed.. what if police had arrived to suspects waiting there with weapons? What then?”
Laaulialemalietoa said it is not only dangerous but very unfair to Police Officers because these moles are acting for thier own personal gain.
The Prime Minister who is also the Minister for Police and Prisons said the Officer has been terminated, and will face the full extent of the Law.
“We do not need these types of Officers in the Police Force giving it a bad reputation and putting the lives of our Officers at risk,” said the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister added that teachers were not the only high level arrests amongst the 44 people charged following recent raids.
Amongst the 44 arrests are people who hold decent jobs in the government including accountants and lawyers, said the Prime Minister.
Asked about children of Church Ministers being amongst the arrested, Laaulialemalietoa said all suspects will be revealed and brought to light.
Even if they are children of Church Ministers, or even Members of Parliament, they should all be brought forward. That is the best deterrent, said the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister stressed that these people are making money out of an illegal trade that targets our youth and ruins the lives of our people.
“This is blood money,” said Laaulialemalietoa. “They are driving around in big cars and living in large homes, from dirty money..”
Police Officers from New Zealand are expected to arrive into Samoa next week to assist with the Police crackdown on drugs.
Laaulialemalietoa said the safety of our Officers is a priority during these targeted raids and New Zealand Police will be on board to offer support.
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