The Ministry of Works Transport and Infrastructure (M.W.T.I.) has issued a warning against the illegal operation of drones. 

The Ministry has called on the public to report any drones in operation seen around the country.

In a statement, the M.W.T.I. said a number of “illegal” unmanned drones had been observed in operation.

“As regulator of the Civil Aviation matters in Samoa [we have] witnessed a significant number of illegal unnamed aircraft drone operation activity," the Ministry said.

“We wish to advice the public that it is illegal to operate a drone within Samoa Airspace without obtaining a drone license from the Ministry.

“Under the Civil Aviation Act 1998, Civil Aviation Regulations 2000 and Pursuant to the Civil Aviation Rule Part 101 and 102 offenders will be charged and prosecuted if found carrying out these illegal activities without obtaining a license to confirm that they meet the safety requirements of operating an unnamed aircraft drone.”

The Ministry says this notice applies to all unmanned drones for commercial, leisure and other reasons.

“We urge the public to report without any delay any suspected illegal unauthorised drone operations to the Ministry of Works Transport and Infrastructure or the Samoa Airport Authority or the Ministry of Police and Prisons," the statement said.