The man arrested and charged in Samoa for allegedly importing 1.4 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden in frozen chicken has been identified as Taylor Victor Crichton, the driver for the Samoa Minister of Customs, Masinalupe Makesi Pisi.
The Samoa Observer newspaper reports Crichton was charged with possession and importation of methamphetamine following a Customs operation on Saturday, 22 November.
Officials at the Ministry of Customs and Revenue and the office of the Minister of Customs on Monday confirmed that Crichton is assigned as the minister’s driver.
He was allegedly involved in uplifting the methamphetamine, and the Ministry also confirmed he did not report to work on Monday.
The shipment arrived from American Samoa and was flagged through a targeted operation conducted on Saturday.
Officers secured the consignment on arrival and carried out enforcement procedures before detaining the individual linked to the importation.
Acting Police Commissioner Leiataua Samuelu Afamasaga said this is the third-largest methamphetamine bust on record this year.
In January, Customs seized four kilograms of meth disguised as Lifesaver candies, and in September, two kilograms were found hidden inside rice.
Suspects have been charged, and all the cases are now before the court.
