Customs officials intercept two separate illegal drug shipments

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — This week, the American Samoa Customs officials were involved in two significant drug busts, one at the Customs warehouse located at the airport and another at the Post Office in Fagatogo.

Customs Agents who spoke on the condition of anonymity noted that at their Customs warehouse, officials uncovered approximately two pounds of crystal methamphetamine concealed within a package that had arrived on the regular weekly cargo flight from the US mainland on Saturday. 

The illicit substances were detected using advanced scanning technology that identified anomalies within the box. Upon opening the package, which was overseen by a freight forwarding agent present to facilitate its release, Customs agents confirmed the presence of the illegal drugs.

Meanwhile, at the Post Office, Customs officials successfully intercepted a substantial shipment of medicinal marijuana concealed within a package that also contained various clothing items.

(Samoa News should point out that the use and distribution of medicinal marijuana is illegal in the territory.)

The situation unfolded when a woman arrived to collect a package originally addressed to her father. During the retrieval process, Customs agents questioned her about the package's contents and whether she was aware of its illicit nature. The woman was subsequently taken into custody for further interrogation.

As investigations continue, local law enforcement agencies are rigorously examining all aspects of the case, including the package's origins and any individuals potentially connected to it.

At this stage, authorities have not made any arrests; however, they are pursuing leads to ensure those responsible are identified and held accountable. The situation remains fluid, with updates expected as the investigation progresses.

Notably, the local intercepts come on the heels of the Samoa Ministry of Customs and Revenue and the Samoa Police announcing this week that 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 last weekend. The Samoa drugs busts were for meth alone.