The family of a notorious Samoan drug dealer, Tagaloasa Filipaina serving a life sentence for murder, has been banished for life by the matai council of Faleatiu, a village just west of Faleolo International Airport which is better known as the home of former heavyweight boxer David Tua.
“The village is fed up with all of the trouble these people have caused in our village,” said Village Mayor Letoaoa’ana Sua Talimatasi told Samoa Observer.
“And it is not just the village council, but the church ministers and residents of the village that are affected. The trouble they cause in the village has been going on for far too long and we have had enough.”
The newspaper reports the decision follows a number of incidents within the village boundaries, including a massive drug bust last November and a more recent incident in which guns, cocaine and Iraqi currency were seized.
An earier episode allegedly involved firearms being discharged at officers.
“Since that incident the village has met three times a week to come up with an amicable solution; most of this family have been penalised; but removing them from the village is the last option,” said the mayor.
He said the village sought the assistance of the Prime Minister last Thursday and after that meeting they decided they will take this to the next level.
It has always been alleged that Tagaloasa controls his drug empire from within his prison cell and some of his jailed family are now dealing within the prison compounds.
Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi singled Tagaloasa and his family in one of his recent Radio 2AP broadcasts.
“It can be easily alleged that Filipaina is giving orders to his family to continue the crime spree; and my advice to his brothers and sisters: when you visit Filipaina, advise him to repent,”said the PM.
Police have raided the family’s compound many times and last year they conducted the biggest raid in the history of the police, seizing about 10,000 marijuana plants, firearms, methamphetamine, ammunition and cash.
During another raid last month, police confiscated weapons, currency from the Middle East and what appeared to be cocaine.
“It is time for the village council to act and not deviate from doing what is best not only for the people of Faleatiu, but the country as a whole,” said the village mayor.
Photo: Newsline Samoa
