A 32-year-old man who arrived on the last flight from American Samoa on Friday was found with five packets containing 141 grams of meth hidden in his underwear.
In a press release the Ministry of Customs and Border Control say Police had to assist in the search “due to the suspect’s reluctance to cooperate.”
“The body search was carried out pursuant to the legal provisions under the Customs Act.”
Customs Chief Executive Officer Fonoti Talaitupu Li’a-Taefu comfirmed the passenger was searched as part of a targeted operation.
The Ministry CEO says smuggling drugs in the suspect’s underwear “demonstrates the determination of criminals to smuggle illicit drugs into Samoa through any concealment method including hiding it in their private areas.”
The male from Vaitele and Nuu has been charged with Possession of Narcotics (Methamphetamine) and Importation of Prohibited Goods.
He is remanded in custody until 2 February 2026 for Supreme Court Mention.
$6 million tala of Drugs at Matautu Wharf
The very next day on Saturday morning 6.032 kilos of meth worth $6 million tala was discovered by Border Control Officers concealed inside a box of frozen chicken at the Matautu Wharf.
The shipment originated from American Samoa and the Ministry also confirmed the successful seizure of drugs to have been “a targeted operation for inspection based on intelligence.”
A 59-year-old male of To’omatagi has been charged with Possession of Narcotics (Methamphetamine) and Importation of Prohibited Goods.
He is also remanded in custody until 2 February 2026 for Supreme Court Mention.
A conviction for possession of Class A narcotics (Methamphetamine) carries a maximum penalty of Life Imprisonment, reminds the Ministry.
5 Drug Busts 18 Arrests
In addition to the two border busts, Samoa Police say 18 arrests were made from five different raids this week.
* Tuesday 9 December 2025 at Toamua-uta where 8 suspects were arrested. All 7 males and 1 female have been remanded in custody until this Monday 15 December 2025 for Supreme Court Mention.
* Wednesday 10 December 2025 at Tiavi where 3 rifles were found and charges are yet to be made.
* Thursday 11 December 2025 at Nuu-fou where 2 suspects were arrested. A male and a female were arrested at the home of a former Associate Minister.
The male defendant a former prisoner has been remanded in custody whilst the female defendant is remanded on bail, both to appear on the 02 February 2026 for Supreme Court Mention.
* Friday 12 December 2025 at Faleula-uta where 2 suspects were arrested (1 male and 1 female). The male defendant has been remanded in custody whilst female defendant is remanded on bail, both to appear on the 02 February 2026 for Supreme Court Mention.
* Friday 12 December 2025 at Sinamoga where 6 suspects were arrested, all males. All have been remanded in custody until 02 February 2026 for Supreme Court Mention.
Overall 20 defendants have been arrested in relation to possession of methamphetamine, with 18 arrested as a result of police raids and 2 arrested after successful targeted operations by Customs and Border Control Officers.
The recent drugs intercepted at the borders has an estimated street value of 6 million tala.
“It is an indication that criminals involved in distribution of drugs in Samoa are in it for economic gains and has a detrimental effect on the development of our country and safety of our people.”
IF YOU SEE IT, REPORT IT! plead the authorities.
SPPCS and Ministry of Customs & Revenue Samoa reaffirmed their commitment to protecting Samoa’s borders and ensuring the safety and well being of Samoa.
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