Samoa makes second major drug bust in one week

Samoan police have uncovered two huge drug shipments in one week, impacting a supply chain and demand that shines a light on the amount of use of illegal drugs in the small Island nation. 

Three people including a businessman who owns a supermarket in Lotopa, have been charged by the Samoan Police and Correction Services, in what has been touted as the biggest drug bust in Samoa thus far.

The seizure of more than $4 million worth of crystal methamphetamine at the wharf,  was found concealed inside packets of Lifesaver candies and had come on a ship which had made port in the USA, Australia and New Zealand.

One of the concerns raised is that the methamphetamine may be targeting local use, rather than en route to other destinations - something that has happened in other Islands with Fiji and Tonga currently in a state of methamphetamine crisis, with a sharp rise in HIV in Fiji due to the injecting of the product with shared needles. 

Today Samoa Customs released another press statement about a further discovery of 214 grams of marijuana in a package arriving through Samoa Post. The intercepted package has been handed over to the Ministry of Police, Prison and Corrections Service for further investigation and legal proceedings.

The seizures highlights the effectiveness of Samoa Customs’ enhanced enforcement measures and advanced detection capabilities, including the use of X-ray scanning technology and intelligence- driven risk assessment. 

Chief Executive Officer Fonoti Talaitupu Li’a-Taefu, reaffirmed Customs’ commitment to combating illicit importation, stating,

 “The drug busts this week highlights our ongoing dedication to protecting Samoa from the dangers of illegal substances. We remain vigilant and will continue to strengthen our border control measures in collaboration with local and international enforcement partners.”