The drug problem in the territory is serious and a lot of people are involved, according to Homeland Security Director Samana Semo Ve’ave’a.
At a House Homeland Security Committee hearing yesterday Samana revealed what some faipule felt were sensitive and confidential information.
Drug trafficking was among the issues discussed.
Samana pointed out that the drug problem is so widespread that teachers and some village mayors are selling drugs.
The director was commenting on reports of Fagaitua High School students found smoking marijuana on the school campus in the last school year.
The director didn’t identify the village mayors he was referring to.
He pointed out that villagers are aware of their mayors’s involvement with drugs but are too scared to speak.
Samana said he cannot provide details to some of these cases as they are under investigation.
He was concerned that with drugs there are also weapons.
Samana revealed that some of the places where drugs are brewed and distributed are secured with chains and have security guards to police their operation.
He did not identify the places.
Samana said that drugs are brought in by all means of transportation, including the Hawaiian Airline flights, and boats even the alias which he said are being used to smuggle drugs between the two Samoa.
Samana also revealed they have identified some Customs agents who are assisting in bringing in drugs to the territory.
The director reported that an enforcement task force has been appointed to address the drug situation.
Vice Speaker Fetu Fetui told Samana he did not like his comments about how drugs are coming in and wanted to know if there’s solid evidence for what he’s telling members of the Fono.
Samana said that there is but cannot give specific details as investigations are ongoing into several of these cases.
The Vice Speaker, an ex-cop, said police dont tell members of the public about raids.
Ituau faipule, Sataua Dr. Mataese Samuelu felt that the director was sharing sensitive and confidential information and he should consider the safety of people in law enforcement.
