Samoa Customs agents find meth from Am. Samoa

Apia, SAMOA — (December 15, 2025) A combined total of 6.173 kilograms of methamphetamine, smuggled from American Samoa, was intercepted by Samoa Customs officials in two separate operations at the independent state’s international air and sea ports over the weekend.

In a joint press release issued by the Ministry of Customs and Revenue and the Samoa Police, it was revealed that the first incident involved a targeted operation in which Customs officials identified a suspect upon arrival on the final flight from American Samoa on Friday, December 12, 2025.

A body search was initiated under the legal provisions of the Customs Act, with police assistance required due to the suspect’s reluctance to cooperate. During the search, officers discovered a small bag concealed inside the suspect’s underwear containing five packages. All packages subsequently tested positive for methamphetamine, with a combined weight of 141 grams.

Authorities noted that the successful interception highlights the determination of criminals to smuggle illicit drugs into Samoa using any concealment method, including hiding substances in private areas.

The suspect, a 32‑year‑old male from Vaitele and Nu’u, has been charged with Possession of Narcotics (methamphetamine) and Importation of Prohibited Goods. Under Samoa’s laws, a conviction for possession of methamphetamine carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

The second incident occurred on Saturday morning, December 13, 2025, when Customs officials intercepted 6.032 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed inside a box of frozen chicken at Matautu Wharf. The shipment, which originated from American Samoa, had been flagged for inspection based on intelligence.

During the search, officers uncovered two vacuum‑packed packages of methamphetamine hidden within the frozen chicken. Authorities noted that this concealment method reflects the continued attempts by criminals to smuggle illicit drugs into Samoa disguised as ordinary goods.

A 59‑year‑old male from To’omatagi has been charged with Possession of Narcotics (methamphetamine) and Importation of Prohibited Goods. Under Samoa’s laws, a conviction for possession of Class A narcotics carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

These two cases represent the seventh methamphetamine interception at Samoa’s borders this year, following the historic seizure of 9.4 kilograms of methamphetamine in January.

The Chief Executive Officer of Customs and the Commissioner of Police jointly expressed deep concern over the continued attempts to smuggle methamphetamine into Samoa. They emphasized the devastating impact of the drug on families, particularly young people, noting that addiction is escalating and can result in severe harm and even fatalities.

Both leaders reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to protecting Samoa’s borders and safeguarding the well-being of its people.

“Customs and Police remain steadfast in our determination to identify and dismantle drug networks,” they declared in the joint press release. “We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that all those responsible face justice, and to secure a safe, secure, and prosperous Samoa.”

They cautioned individuals involved in illicit drug activities to desist from bringing narcotics into the country, warning that anyone who persists will face severe penalties, including lengthy prison terms.

These operations underscore the importance of close interagency collaboration in combating transnational crime, as highlighted in the joint campaign “Say No to Illegal Drugs / Tete’e atu i Fuala’au Fa’asaina.”

Both leaders commended the professionalism and vigilance demonstrated by all officers involved, noting that the successful operations reflect the continued effectiveness of Samoa’s joint border security efforts.

Of the seven methamphetamine interceptions recorded by Samoan authorities in 2025, four were linked to shipments from American Samoa, while the others originated from the United States.

November 27, 2025: 10 grams of methamphetamine concealed in a can of milk powder (Coffee Mate) were discovered in a shipment from American Samoa at Matautu Wharf.

November 28, 2025: 99 grams of methamphetamine were intercepted during a routine cargo inspection of goods from American Samoa at Matautu Wharf.

The other two American Samoa cases — the 141 grams concealed in underwear and the 6.032 kilograms hidden in frozen chicken — are detailed earlier in this article.

There has been speculation that methamphetamine smuggling into Samoa from the Territory had been occurring for some time before the first official interception on November 27, 2025.

This speculation may have prompted then Police Commissioner Auapa’au Logoitino Filipo to remark to the media in July this year, that American Samoa was the most common route for methamphetamine entering the country. However, he did not provide specific details or evidence to substantiate his claims.

The remarks by Samoa’s former Police Commissioner did not sit well with Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean, who argued that the government should investigate the matter thoroughly. He emphasized that such claims reflect poorly on American Samoa and must not go unchallenged.

The issue was also raised in the House of Representatives, prompting the Chairman of the House Public Safety Committee, Rep. Avagafono Vaimaga Maiava, to write to Samoa’s then Police Commissioner Auapa’au Logoitino Filipo. In his letter, Rep. Avagafono stressed that “such claims are serious and, unless supported by concrete evidence, are highly damaging to the reputation of American Samoa, a United States territory that upholds strict drug enforcement policies and border control procedures.”

Rep. Avagafono, himself a former Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety, noted in his August 11 letter that the Commissioner’s “comments unfortunately appear to be baseless and not grounded in verifiable facts.” He informed Samoa’s Police leadership that the Legislature had convened a hearing to investigate the claims, during which testimony was received from relevant government departments, including Customs, Public Safety, and other law enforcement agencies.

“It was clearly stated that American Samoa is neither a producer of methamphetamine nor a known point of origin for its export to Samoa or any other country,” he wrote.

Despite his criticism, Rep. Avagafono urged cooperation rather than division between the two Samoas in tackling the drug problem.

“Going forward, we believe this shared issue of transnational drug trafficking requires deeper cooperation, not division, between the two Samoas. We encourage the establishment of structured and regular consultations between our respective law enforcement and customs agencies. Collaboration, intelligence sharing, and joint task force efforts are far more effective than unilateral public statements.”

“The fight against drugs is a mutual responsibility that requires trust, open dialogue, and coordinated action. We hope this matter can serve as an opportunity to strengthen our working relationship, rather than weaken it,” Rep. Avagafono concluded.