When the MV Pago Pago sailed in from Manu’a yesterday, customs agents, police and drug sniffing dogs boarded the boat and conducted a search. The boat which is registered as a recreational vessel brought in passengers and cargo.
KHJ News reported that about 20 marijuana joints were found in the bathroom, but police sources said that the quantity of joints was more than 200. No arrest has been made.
The owner of the vessel, Papalii Laulii Alofa said in response to KHJ News questions that he had requested customs agents to conduct the search after it came to his attention that authorities suspected that drugs were being transported on local vessels from Manu’a.
KHJ News understands that a raid of an alia from Manu’a last week found ice.
Deputy Treasurer Keith Gebauer said, “As an internal practice, the Department of Treasury’s Customs Division does not comment on nor do we confirm any such reporting until such time as it has become public record.
KHJ News asked Papalii why his boat was carrying passengers from Manu’a.
He said this was a service that he’s providing free of charge, so he’s not violating any rules. He said he cannot refuse if people want to come on his boat. The US Coast Guard has said previously that as long as the there’s no charge, the vessel can carry cargo and passengers.
The MV Pago Pago is transporting equipment and supplies for the dredging of the Faleasao dock project, which has been awarded to Paramount Builders.
