Samoa Commissioner of Police, Auapaau Logoitino Filipo has stated that Samoa is now a market of its own for illegal drugs and is no longer a transit point in the drugs trade for other Pacific countries and beyond.
Speaking to the media after the launch of the “12 Months Say No to Illegal Drugs Campaign” on Wednesday, Auapaau also confirmed that what used to be a transit point, is now a market of its own where illegal drugs can easily be accessed.
A few months ago, Auapaau named American Samoa as the source of the illegal drugs coming into Samoa and prompted strong reactions from the American Samoa lawmakers who demanded evidence for confirmation.
Auapaau said the concern now faced by the police and the whole country is the rapid increase in the number of people now going into drugs especially methamphetamine.
He said that since 2020, methamphetamine has taken over from marijuana and had dominated the local illegal drugs market.
He also noted one major change which is the growing involvement of younger people especially college students.
Some of the young street vendors suspected to be under 18 years of age have been flagged as drug pushers.
“The core root of all these is getting fast money and we have CCTV cameras around key places in town like the Fish Market where we detained some of them at the small restaurants around the area,” said Auapaau.
Auapaau said they have also noted that the number of women involved in drugs have also increased.
“Some women have faced abuse at their homes because of drugs and are scared to report them to the police,” he said.
“We are currently working with the Samoa Victim Support Group (SVSG) to encourage women and families to report such matters to the authorities.”
The “12 Months Say No to Illegal Drugs Campaign” is a joint effort of the Samoa Police and Australian Federal Police and was officially launched by the Acting Minister of Police & Prisons, Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molio’o who warned that the Pacific as a whole is not just a transit point for illegal drugs but a threat that is already on our shores.
“The Pacific is no longer just a transit point for illegal drugs; it is our shared Blue Pacific home. As these threats move closer, we must protect our shores not only with stronger borders but with stronger hearts,” she said.
“Actions must be taken not by one person, one village or one country, but everyone working together to ensure the safety and security for all,” she said
Meanwhile, During its campaign for the 29 August elections, the FAST Party highlighted the menace of illegal drugs and strengthening the law enforcement agencies of government among its top policy and action priorities.
Days moving into government, Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa, and the Acting Minister of Police Mulipola Anarosa Ale-Molioo met with the Australian High Commissioner where it was made clear that tackling illegal drugs was a foremost priority.
The Prime Minister was also clear that this was a matter he sought Australian support.
Speaking at the launch of the “12 Months Say No to Illegal Drugs Campaign”, High Commissioner Will Robinson said he was proud that the Australian Federal Police has stepped up so quickly to support this initiative through the Samoa Australia Police Partnership (SAPP).
He also congratulated the Samoa Police on the launch of the Awareness Campaign.
“The fight against drugs is not one that can be won by a single village in Samoa or a single country in the Pacific. It requires all of us – government, community leaders, schools, families, and international partners – working hand in hand,” said Robinson.
“Like Samoa, Australia continues to face challenges with illegal drug use and the related health, social, cultural and economic harms. Our National Drug Strategy 2017-2026 provides a 10 year framework to combat drugs and build safe, healthy, and resilient communities, with efforts focused on demand reduction, supply reduction, and harm reduction.
“The impact of drugs on the wellbeing of our communities is multifaceted, and we must first and foremost reduce harm where possible. Drug-related HIV infections are increasing in various Pacific countries. Such health issues are a tragedy for individuals and placing an expensive new strain on Pacific health systems. Australia is already working closely with Fiji to support its national response to HIV, and we are similarly ready to support national harm reduction efforts here.
“The support of communities is crucial to the success of demand reduction initiatives like the “Say No To Illegal Drugs” Awareness Campaign.
“Through the Samoa Australia Police Partnership, the Australian Federal Police will support additional community events and activities throughout the next 12 months to raise awareness and combat drug use and trafficking. Together, we are working to empower communities and promote strong values that keep our communities safe.
“These efforts are undertaken in parallel to regional efforts to reduce supply. I commend the Samoa Police on recent initiatives like the Ika Moana exercise, bringing together Guardian Class Patrol Boats from across the Pacific to undertake joint patrols of Samoa’s EEZ.
“I also commend Samoa’s hosting of the Pacific Transnational Crime Coordination Centre, which shares regional law enforcement information.
“And here in Samoa, I commend Samoan security agencies for their collaborative efforts, supported by Australia and other regional partners.
“Samoa Police have been working with the AFP and Defence Australia to identify and respond to drug trafficking in Samoa and throughout the Pacific.
“The Ministry of Customs has been working tirelessly to stop drugs at the border – I commend them on their recent success preventing a shipment of methamphetamine. We are proud of our growing partnership through our Australian Border Force presence, our collaborative efforts are crucial to countering supply efforts in Samoa and the region.
“There is a well-known Samoan proverb, “A malu i aiga, e malu foi i fafo” – protection within your home is protection for all. It reminds us that the fight against drugs starts at home, with strong families and supportive communities. When our homes are safe, our villages and our nation is safe too.
“Illegal drugs threaten the collective wellbeing of the Pacific’s people, culture, and future. By standing together, we send a clear message there is no place for illicit drugs in our communities.
“This is a true demonstration of security by the Pacific, for the Pacific.
“Let us continue to work in unity, support one another and build a safer Samoa for the generations to come.
