Ex-cop arrested in drug raid has left the island

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The ex cop who was arrested following a drug raid last Thursday at his home in Alofau, Steve Tuato’o, is believed to have left the island.

Tuato’o and two others, Taputimu resident, Cody Christian Wood, and taxi driver Lemalie Taisia, had been taken into custody after police found contraband including drugs , ammunition and money at their homes and a taxi, in the case of Taisia.

But while Wood and Taisia were in court Monday for their initial appearances, Tuatoo wasn’t.

Commissioner of Public Safety Lei Sonny Thompson is off island and doesn’t return home till tomorrow.

Calls and emails sent to Acting Commissioner Falanaipupu Taase Sagapolutele were not answered.

Our sources say that an arrest warrant for Tuatoo was not ready by the time the 48 hour limit for a suspect to be held without being charged, expired.

Only the other two suspects were charged within the time limit.

According to our sources, Tuatoo left the territory sometime over the weekend and hasnt been located,

Tuatoo had been a police officer for more than 20 years, following in the footsteps of his father who was also a cop.

Those who know him say he was a very good cop until he became involved in drugs.