Customs officers in Samoa intercepted 1.4 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed inside a box of frozen chicken which arrived on the Lady Samoa voyage from American Samoa last Saturday .
A statement from the Ministry of Customs and Revenue described the concealment method as another example of the tactics used by organized criminal groups.
“The concealment method demonstrates the continued attempts by criminal syndicates to smuggle dangerous drugs into Samoa through seemingly ordinary goods,” the Ministry said.
The statement said officers secured the shipment immediately and followed standard enforcement procedures.
The man who imported the consignment was detained and later handed over to the Ministry of Police, Prisons and Corrections Service together with the seized drugs “for further investigation and prosecution”.
According to Samoa Global News online, a 36-year old male of Vaitele-uta and Fasitoo-uta has been charged with possession of narcotics and importation of prohibited goods.
He has been remanded in custody until December 8, 2025 for his initial appearance.
