Chief of Customs Moetulu’i Fuiava Sipili says he made the decision to release the container in which guns and marijuana were found after consulting the police and was told it was okay.
The customs chief has attracted many complaints concerning the release of the container which was in customs custody for five weeks.
Moetulu’i tells KHJ News that the container was released after he consulted the Department of Public Safety and after the consignee paid the excise tax for the contents.
Head of the CID Division at DPS Lavata’i Taase Sagapolutele says guns and marijuana which customs found during a search of the container are in police custody.
He said they’re building a case and their investigation is not completed.
Moetulu’i says Customs has forwarded its own report of this case to the Attorney General’s Office.
He pointed out that it was Customs’ decision to impound the container because of the illegal items they found inside.
It’s the customs chief’s opinion that since they stepped up inspections of imports at the airport, post office and dock, those who are smuggling drugs and weapons into the territory are changing their tactics.
He thinks the smugglers are using containers with personal belongings.
Moetulu’i said this is why customs scanners are vitally needed at the ports of entry.
