The drug problem in the territory was a topic that candidates in the House of Representatives election for Tuala-uta exchanged their views views.
Five of the eight candidates on the election ballot for the most populated district attended a forum Saturday.
Candidate Su’a Lucia Bartley, who organized the event, said that the only reason she supports the administration’s customs scanners is to alleviate drug smuggling…epecially meth.
She said all containers should be scanned and the government needs to employ honest people at customs.
Samuel Ioka Ale Meleisea recalled DPS Commissioner Save Liuato Tuitele saying that he knows the people who are responsible for the distribution of illegal drugs in the territory.
Meleisea said “if the commissioner knows who these people are, why aren’t they locked up?”
At the same time, Meleisea recognizes that police numbers are inadequate and their salaries are low.
He’s of the opinion that the reason why a lot of young people are involved with drugs is because of the lack of employment.
Meleisea said when the government keeps giving retirees jobs, young people turn to an easy way to make money to help out their parents and families. He said Tuala-uta district needs more police officer and residents should work together to help law enforcement counter this problem,
Leomiti Faitama’i Leomtiti said that dishonesty is a problem in the workforce and he believes it’s because of low pay.
He said maybe the district can make use of Meleisea’s grant writing experience and not rely solely on the government to provide funding to provide police officers.
Candidate Saipai Cassens talked about the mental aspect of the drug problem and differentiates between drug uses and distributors.
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Tapumanaia Galu Satele said the drug sentences were not harsh enough.
He commented that in most drug cases, the fine is $5,000 or less or possession.
Taupmanaia said that these people make way more than $5000.
He‘s aware of employees in some agencies as well as high government officials who are involved with drugs.
He recalled a case in the past where drugs confiscated during a raid and placed in the DPS’s evidence which disappeared.
He said people find the lure of money sweet and they look the other way when money is offered.
