A joint operation by the Ministry of Customs and Revenue and the Samoa Police Service has resulted in the interception of methamphetamine at Samoa’s borders in two separate incidents on Friday 12 December and Saturday 13 December 2025.
In the first case, Customs officers intercepted a passenger on arrival at Faleolo Regional Airport on Friday 12 December after identifying the individual through a targeted operation. The passenger had arrived on the last flight from American Samoa.
A body search conducted under the Customs Act, with Police assistance due to the suspect’s reluctance to cooperate, revealed a small bag concealed inside the suspect’s underwear. The bag contained five packages which later tested positive for methamphetamine, with a combined weight of 141 grams.
Five packages of methamphetamine seized from a passenger at Faleolo Regional Airport during a targeted Customs operation. Photo: Supplied
A 32-year-old male of Vaitele and Nuu has been charged with possession of narcotics (methamphetamine) and importation of prohibited goods. Under Samoan law, possession of Class A narcotics carries a potential penalty of life imprisonment.
The second interception occurred on Saturday 13 December at the Matautu Wharf, where Customs and Revenue officers discovered 6.032 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed inside a box of frozen chicken. The shipment originated from American Samoa and had been targeted for inspection based on intelligence.
Two vacuum-packed packages of methamphetamine seized at Matautu Wharf after being concealed inside a shipment of frozen chicken. Photo: Supplied
Officers found two vacuum-packed packages of methamphetamine hidden inside the frozen chicken box. A 59-year-old male from To‘omata has been charged with possession of narcotics (methamphetamine) and importation of prohibited goods. As with the first case, the charges carry a potential penalty of life imprisonment.
The two interceptions bring the total number of methamphetamine seizures at Samoa’s borders this year to seven. Authorities confirmed that this follows the historic interception of 9.4 kilograms of methamphetamine earlier this year.
In a joint statement, the Chief Executive Officer of Customs and the Commissioner of Police expressed deep concern over the continued attempts to bring methamphetamine into Samoa, noting the devastating impact of the drug on families and young people.
Both agencies reaffirmed their commitment to protecting Samoa’s borders and dismantling drug networks, stating that joint operations will continue to ensure those responsible are brought to justice. They also warned individuals involved in drug trafficking to cease their activities, stressing that severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences, will apply to those who persist.
Authorities acknowledged the professionalism and vigilance of officers involved in the operations and emphasised the importance of strong inter-agency cooperation in safeguarding Samoa.
Article based on a joint press release from the Ministry of Customs and Revenue and the Samoa Police Service.
