Samoa Police Commissioner Auapa’au Logoitino Filipo has denied receiving a letter from Representative Avagafono Vaimaga Maiava, the Chairman of the House Committee on Public Safety, asking for evidence on claims about the importation of meth from American Samoa into Samoa.
Samoa Observer reports that while Auapa’au said he hasn’t received such a letter, he maintains that there is strong evidence that supports his claims.
He stated that some individuals currently serving time at Tanumalala Prison had testified and provided evidence that they received hard drugs from American Samoa.
Auapa’au emphasized that American Samoa has no jurisdiction in Samoa, and this is something the Samoan government should address, so that both Samoas can work together.
In a letter dated August 11, Rep. Avagafono wrote to Auapa’au: “Let me respectfully state that such claims are serious and, unless supported by concrete evidence, are highly damaging to the reputation of American Samoa, a United States territory that upholds strict drug enforcement policies and border control procedures. These comments unfortunately appear to be baseless and not grounded in verifiable facts.”
Avagafono informed the Samoa Police Commissioners that theAmerican Samoa Legislature held a hearing to investigate these claims, during which testimony was received from relevant government departments, including Customs, Public Safety, and other law enforcement officials. “It was clearly stated that American Samoa is neither a producer of methamphetamine nor a known point of origin for its export to Samoa or any other country.”
He urged that if Samoa police has credible evidence to support the claim that drugs are being trafficked from American Samoa into Samoa, that such information be shared with the American Samoa Legislature and appropriate enforcement agencies.
Avagafono also suggested that rather than being divided, the two Samoas should cooperate in tackling the drug problem.
Commissioner Auapa’au said he will respond once he officially receives the letter from the American Samoa lawmaker.
