A man who was among the 114 suspects that the police arrested and charged with drug-related charges has filed a lawsuit against the police for publishing his mugshot on social media.
Samoa Observer reports that Iopu Siolo has been banned from his village because of his mugshot and the name of his village being published by the Ministry of Police after he was arrested.
He was identified as being from the villages of Moata’a and Vaivase.
The case was called before Chief Justice Satiu Simativa Perese on Tuesday morning and has been adjourned to next week.
The police released photos of 54 suspects in late December 2025 and continued with further releases in January 2026 to make the suspects’ identities known.
Acting Police Commissioner Leiataua Samuelu Afamasaga said publishing the mug shorts is intended to curb the rising drug issues, specifically methamphetamine and marijuana, and emphasized that the raids will intensify.
