JOINT PRESS RELEASE 27th November 2025. The Ministry of Customs and Revenue (MCR) have intercepted another shipment containing methamphetamine, this time hidden in a can of Coffee Mate milk powder in a consignment from American Samoa. Authorities say in a press release that 99 grams of methamphetamine with a street value of $100,000 (US$40,000) was seized.
A 38-year-old male of Lalovaea, Samusu Aleipata, Fogatuli and Magiagi and a Filipino lady connected to the shipment were referred to the Samoa Police, Prison and Corrections Service (SPPCS).
The male defendant has been charged with Possession of Narcotics (Methamphetamine) and Importation of Prohibited Goods and is jointly charged with the female defendant who is charged with Possession of Utensils.
Customs and Police have given their joint assurance that they would be working collaboratively to ensure the defendants are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Customs Border Officers detected the prohibited drugs during a routine inspection of consignments arriving from American Samoa at the Matautu Wharf. Customs Officers identified anomalies in the consignment which led to a more detailed examination.
“The swift actions and vigilance of the officers led to the discovery and immediate seizure of the illicit drugs.”
Authorities says the concealment method shows the continued attempts by criminals to smuggle illicit drugs into Samoa through ordinary goods.
“This interception highlights the ongoing efforts by the Samoa Customs and Samoa Police under the “Say No to Illicit Drugs campaign” to combat the smuggling of methamphetamine and other illicit drugs into Samoa.”
“Customs continues to strengthen its enforcement strategies through advanced inspection technologies, enhanced intelligence-sharing, targeted profiling, and strong cooperation with both domestic and international law enforcement partners.”
The Chief Executive Officer Fonoti Talaitupu Li’a-Taefu commended the professionalism and commitment of all Officers involved in this operation and reaffirms its dedication to protecting Samoa from the threat of transnational drug smuggling.
Customs and Police have called for a nation-wide stance against drugs with a strong message to Samoa.
“Samoa we must stand together to eradicate illicit drugs from our community and hold criminals accountable. The cowardice actions of a small number of Samoan criminals involved in the illegal trade of drugs for their own benefits has a huge negative impact to the overall peacefulness of Samoa.
Prime Minister Hon Laaulialemalietoa Polataivao Fosi Schmidt highlighte the prevalence of drugs as one of the most pressing issues facing Samoa. During his weekly press conference last night the PM stated that drug testing would be compulsory for all public servants going forward.
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