Despite police chief’s claims, ASCO employees not arrested or charged

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Contrary to information provided by the DPS Chief of Police, Pouu’amea Tuaolo Supapo, the four ASCO Motors employees taken into custody earlier this week after an incident surfaced that allegedly concerned drugs — were not charged.

Families of the men contacted Samoa News confirming the men were released late last night after being interrogated by the police for a whole day or several hours.

The wife of one of the men told Samoa News it’s puzzling that police would make public comments, yet charges have not been laid against her husband.

“My husband spent over ten hours in the custody of police only for them to be released and there is something wrong with this picture,” said the woman who wished not to be named.

On Wednesday the Chief of Police said drugs were allegedly found inside a police vehicle at ASCO Motors, which led to the arrest of four ASCO Motors employees.

[photo: from Samoa News Facebook page]

“Yes they have been arrested and charged. However there is a possibility that more people will be charged,” said the Chief of Police. According to Supapo, the “drugs were found in their possession,” referring to ASCO motors staff.

“Investigation is continuing hence I cannot further comment,” she told Samoa News.

Supapo did confirm to Samoa News that DPS officers conducted a raid at ASCO motors in relation to photos that were allegedly taken of a police pickup truck, while it was inside the ASCO compound, with what appeared to be drugs inside it — the photos were then posted on social media.

The post went viral online Tuesday night and was being shared by hundreds. The post that shows the police vehicle with what appears to be drugs inside has since been taken down.

As the Chief of Police declined to comment further citing the ongoing investigation, questions are still hanging in the air about the incident.

Samoa News reached out to an ASCO Motors official for comment and the official that took the call said they will not comment at the moment as they are meeting with their lawyers and will issue a statement when necessary.

Samoa News made repeated efforts to get comments from the Chief of Police over the inaccuracy of information released to the media, but was unsuccessful.