The village council of Moata’a has decided to banish drug suspects identified by the police if they are found guilty by the court.
Samoa Observer reports the decision was taken after a council meeting a week ago.
Ten of the 50-plus suspects whose identities were publicized by the police, are said to be from Moata’a.
Member of Parliament for Vaimauga No.2 and also a matai at Moata’a, Lenata’i Victor Tamapua, confirmed that the decision has been made.
Lenata’i said a special village committee has also assessed that some drug suspects are actually not from their village.
“The village knows that there are some people who are renting in Moata’a, and some of them have no connection in the village,” he said.
Lenata’i said the village council knows that these suspects are all innocent until they are proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Close to 10 drug suspects whose photos were published by police have claimed to be from Moata’a.
“Our village is standing with the police to eliminate illicit drugs, and there are also penalties set by the village for anyone who is confirmed to be involved with drugs,” he added.
Meanwhile police are continuing with their weekly raids in different villages and homes suspected of being involved in using and selling drugs.
The 17 raids in December arrested up to 54 people, including 11 women.
Photo: Samoa Observer
