Police crack down on speeding

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 18 July 2018, 12:00AM

The Police have launched an operation to crack down on drivers who speed on the streets of Apia.

Called the “Speed Racers Operation,” the campaign aims to reduce the number of lives wasted through crashes caused by speeding and in some cases boy racing in Samoa.

The operation was announced by the Police in a media statement.

It was launched last Friday and it immediately yielded results.

“On Friday 13th July 2018, the S.P.S. launched a Speed Racers Operation that resulted in four arrests over the weekend,” the statement said.

 Away from the arrests, the Police recorded nine cases of Driving Under the Influence of alcohol (D.U.I.), one dangerous driving and eleven cases of careless driving.

The drivers have been charged and will appear in Court soon. 

The Speed Racers Operation follows the death of a teenager whose vehicle smashed into an electric pole on Vaea St. where he was killed instantly. 

The crash took place two weeks ago.

Last weekend, another vehicle crashed at Tuana’imato. The driver was lucky to escape alive.

The Police however clarified that the crash at Tuana’imato on Sunday evening did not involve speeding.

 “In relation to a car crash at Tuanaimato, a driver lost control of his vehicle and crashed. Preliminary investigation indicates no relation to speed racers,” the Police statement said.

 “Investigations are continuing and the appropriate charges will be filed accordingly.”

Police raid nets drugs 

In another Police related matter, five suspects have been charged in relation to narcotics.

The charges follow a raid last week at Vaitele-uta where officers from the Criminal Investigation Division and Tactical Operation Section seized utensils used for the purpose of narcotics consumption, ammunitions, marijuana leaves already packaged, foreign currencies and Samoan cash.

Seven individuals were held in custody but only five have been charged in connection to narcotics. There are four males and a female.

They are scheduled to appear in Court on 30 July 2018.

In the meantime, the Police acknowledged the help by the public who provide information. 

“We acknowledge the public's commitment and cooperation with S.P.S. in providing information regarding illegal activities at the community level.

“We highly appreciate your support to ensure a Safer Samoa, working together with the community for a safer Samoa.”

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 18 July 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

Upgrade to Premium

Subscribe to
Samoa Observer Online

Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You can cancel anytime.

>