Samoa’s Ministry of Customs and Revenue (MCR) intercepted crystal methamphetamine that was hidden in a can of Coffee-Mate creamer that arrived on the Lady Samoa sailing from American Samoa on November 27.
The street value of the 99 grams of the drugs is estimated to be around $100,000 tala. This was the second discovery of drugs sent from American Samoa in one week.
Customs and border officers detected the prohibited drugs during a routine inspection of consignments arriving from American Samoa at the Matautu Wharf, where officers identified anomalies in the consignment and carried out a detailed examination.
Media reports from Smaoa say a 38-year-old male and a Filipino woman connected to the shipment were referred to the Samoa Police, Prison, and Corrections Service (SPPCS).
The male defendant has been charged with possession of narcotics, methamphetamine, and importation of prohibited goods, and is jointly charged with the female defendant with, possession of utensils.
Samoa Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt has said that he intends to discuss the drug issue with Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula while in the territory for the opening of the new Maota Fono.
