Almost six kilograms of methamphetamine were found hidden inside frozen chicken, while in a separate case, a man was arrested at the airport after being found with the narcotics concealed inside his underwear.

The six kg of meth makes it the second-largest meth bust this year, and the two cases mark the seventh meth interception at the borders by the Samoa Customs and Police.

On Friday, 12 December, a 32-year-old male from Vaitele and Nuu was caught with five packages of methamphetamine weighing 141 grams hidden in his underwear. Officers targeted the suspect on arrival from American Samoa and conducted a body search under the Customs Act. 

Police assisted after the suspect was uncooperative. He has been charged with possession of narcotics and importation of prohibited goods. 

In a separate case on Saturday, Customs officers found 6.032 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed inside a box of frozen chicken at Matautu Wharf. The shipment, coming from American Samoa, was flagged for inspection based on intelligence. 

A 59-year-old man from Toomatagi has been charged with possession of narcotics and importation of prohibited goods.

In a joint statement, the Ministry of Customs, along with the Police Commissioner Leiataua Samuelu Afamasaga and the Chief Executive Officer of Customs Fonoti Talaitupu Lia Taefu, said they are deeply concerned about attempts to bring methamphetamine into Samoa.

“Customs and Police remain committed to identifying and dismantling drug networks. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure all those responsible face justice and to ensure a safe, secure, and prosperous Samoa,” the statement said.