The Chairman of the House Public Safety Committee, Avagafono Vaimaga Maiava, has written to Samo’a Commissioner of Police Auapaau Logoitino Filipo concerning statements attributed to Auapaau implying that American Samoa is the gateway for methamphetamine entering Samoa.

Auapa’au Logoitino Filipo had been quoted by the Samoa Observer in an article in July saying that American Samoa is the most common route for methamphetamine coming into Samoa but he did not give details to substantiate his claims.

Rep Avagafono, a former Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety wrote in an August 11 letter to the Samoa police commissioner, “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 the Legislature held a hearing to investigate these claims, and testimony was received from relevant government departments including Customs, Public Safety and other law enforcement officials. “And 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.”

The lawmaker told Auapaau, “If your office is in possession of credible evidence to support the claim that drugs are being trafficked from American Samoa into Samoa we respectfully request that this information be shared with the American Samoa Legislature and appropriate enforcement agencies.

“We are committed to investigating any legitimate concerns and taking appropriate action where necessary. However we urge caution against making public accusations without substantiation as they risk undermining the good standing of American Samoa and its people.

Rep Avagafono suggested that rather than being divided, the two Samoa should cooperate in tacking the drug problem.

“Going forward, we believe this shared issue of transnational drug trafficking requires deeper cooperation not division between the two Samoas. We encourage the establishment of structured and regular consultations between our respective law enforcement and customs agencies, Collaboration, intelligence sharing, and joint task force efforts are far more effective than unilateral public statements.”

Rep Avagafono concluded, “The fight against drugs is a mutual responsibility that requires trust, open dialogue and coordinated action. We hope this matter can serve as an opportunity to strengthen our working relationship, rather than weaken it.”

The letter was copied to House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale, Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula, Attorney General Gwen Tauiliili Langkilde and Commissioner of Public Safety Taaga Saite Moliga.