The government suspects local manufacture of methamphetamine said Minister of Customs Masinalupe Makesi Pisi in Parliament on Monday.

He said traffickers are using new and sophisticated ways to smuggle methamphetamine into Samoa, revealing that some of the drugs were recently concealed inside mustard bottles. He said the sniffer dogs were unable to detect the drugs.

“These illegal drugs were brought in using mustard bottles, the kind you put on a hamburger, and that is why they were not detected,” he said.

He also said there are suspicions that some methamphetamine is being produced locally, a development that adds another layer of concern for law enforcement.

Masinalupe thanked Customs officers who eventually discovered the shipment, which has since been handed over to the police.

The Minister said the case highlighted how traffickers are constantly adapting to evade detection and emphasised that methamphetamine, commonly known as “ice,” is increasingly entering Samoa. He warned that traffickers are becoming more inventive, making it vital for Customs to stay vigilant and proactive in monitoring both air and sea ports.

While Customs focuses on border protection, he noted that the Samoa Police, Prisons and Correctional Services (SPPCS) is responsible for internal enforcement, ensuring that those involved in drug-related crimes are apprehended and processed.

Masinalupe specifically thanked the Police Commissioner and SPPCS for their ongoing efforts to promote a drug-free Samoa and for their close cooperation with Customs in combating narcotics. He said joint operations and information sharing between agencies are critical in stopping illegal drugs before they reach communities.

Acknowledging the Ministry’s challenges, including limited staff and equipment, he said Customs continues its work to stop drugs from entering Samoa. He highlighted several measures being implemented to strengthen border security, including the acquisition of additional sniffer dogs, the installation of new scanning machines, and enhanced training for Customs officers. The Ministry is also seeking support from international partners to improve surveillance and detection capabilities at both ports and airports.

“Even though our staff are few and our tools are limited, the Ministry will not stop protecting our borders,” he said. “Securing Samoa against illegal drugs remains one of the top priorities of the Ministry of Customs, and we will continue to work tirelessly to keep our communities safe.”