Teachers and a quarantine worker were among 18 people arrested this week as police and customs officials carried out a series of operations targeting illegal drugs and unregistered firearms.

Acting Police Commissioner Leiataua Samuelu Afamasaga said the five operations, conducted in Faleata and Apia Town, resulted in the seizure of methamphetamine, cash, pipes, unlicensed firearms, and ammunition. Sixteen of the suspects remain in custody at Tanumalala Prison, while two women were released. Court proceedings are scheduled to begin on Tuesday, with additional cases expected in the new year.

“These arrests show that no one is above the law,” Leiataua said. “It doesn’t matter where you work; the law will be carried out. We will not rest.”

Leiataua emphasised the importance of public assistance in tackling illegal drugs. “If you know someone involved, come forward. Our doors are open, and we are working with the community to prevent these substances from harming our country,” he said.

Customs Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Fonoti Talaitupu Li’a-Taefu reinforced the need for cooperation, noting the use of scanners and sniffer dogs in recent operations. She warned that the illegal drug trade’s impact goes far beyond its street value, affecting families and communities across Samoa.

The confiscated items include a .22 rifle, which is allowed in Samoa, but those seized were not registered, and methamphetamine with an estimated street value of 6 million tala. Fonoti highlighted three main cases over the past few weeks: 99 grams of meth hidden in coffee creamer, 141 kilograms of meth at Fagalii Airport concealed in five bags, and 6.4 kilograms of meth found on a quarantine worker who is 59 years old.

Fonoti said that age does not matter in operations, with people arrested ranging from their late 30s to 59 years old.

“There have been desperate levels of people bringing in these illegal drugs, and what I mean by this is that people are working closely with those who protect the country. This is our worry,” she said.

“It doesn't matter where you work; the law will prevail. We worry that there is a connection in the ministry with people who are involved with the use of illegal drugs."