Police Commissioner stands by his remarks about Am Samoa

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Samoa’s Police Commissioner Auapa’au Logoitino Filipo stands by his remarks concerning American Samoa — that it “serves as one of the primary channels for drug importation into Samoa.”

Auapa’au also says the letter requesting evidence or proof of his statements from the Chairman of the House Committee on Public Safety, Search and Rescue, and Correctional Facilities, Avagafono Vaimaga Maiava, has not been received by the Ministry of Police and Prisons in Samoa.

“We have yet to receive the letter from the Chairman, honorable Representative, Avagafono Vaimaga Maiava,” said Auapa’au.

Samoa’s Police Commissioner told Samoa News during a phone interview that the requested information can be shared with Representative Avagafono as a courtesy.

“We would like to emphasize that we have no legal obligation to provide any requested information to Representative Avagafono. However, out of a spirit of respect and courtesy, we have chosen to fulfill this request willingly.

"In affirming my previous statements, I maintain that American Samoa serves as one of the primary channels for drug importation into Samoa.

“There exists substantial evidence to support this claim, including compelling testimonies and various narcotics seized at both the airport and the wharf," stated the Police Commissioner of Samoa, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.

Auapa’au was responding to a letter reported earlier by Samoa News pertaining to a letter dated August 11, 2025, to Samoa’s Commissioner, where Avagafono stated his role as the Representative for the Sua No. 2 District within the Legislature of American Samoa.

The letter was obtained by Samoa News.

“It has come to our attention that recent public comments attributed to you suggest that the ongoing methamphetamine (ice) epidemic in Samoa is partly due to drugs being imported from American Samoa,” said Avagafono.

“These remarks have raised significant concern among members of the American Samoa Legislature, our government agencies, and the people of our territory.

“I would like to respectfully emphasize that such claims are serious, and unless supported by concrete evidence, they can be highly damaging to the reputation of American Samoa — a United States territory that maintains strict drug enforcement policies and border control measures. Unfortunately, these comments appear to lack a factual basis.”

Samoa's Police Commissioner expressed that the Ministry will patiently await the arrival of the letter in question. However, he stands resolutely by his earlier remarks, emphasizing that they accurately reflect the current situation.

Avagafono stated that in response to Auapa’au’s claims, the American Samoa Legislature held a committee hearing that gathered testimony from various government departments. It was confirmed that American Samoa neither produces methamphetamine nor serves as a point of origin for its export.

The local lawmaker requested that any credible evidence of drug trafficking from American Samoa to Samoa be shared with the Legislature and enforcement agencies. He emphasized the importance of caution against unfounded public accusations, which could harm American Samoa’s reputation.

He advocated for deeper cooperation between the two Samoas in combating transnational drug trafficking, suggesting structured consultations and collaboration between law enforcement and customs agencies.

Avagafono expressed hope that addressing this issue could strengthen the partnership rather than weaken it and looked forward to a more collaborative approach.