Police have confiscated a total of $5,625 in cash during recent raids in Savai‘i, while more than 50 drug suspects remain in custody, Acting Police Commissioner Leiataua Samuelu Afamasaga confirmed.

The money was seized from two households, with $3,980 taken from one home and $1,645 from another.

Between 24 December 2025 and  January 2026, police carried out 13 raids across Upolu and Savai‘i, resulting in 34 people being charged.

In Upolu, nine raids were conducted, leading to 22 people being charged. Of those charged, four were women and 18 were men, aged between 15 and 50. The individuals charged are from the villages of Lepea, Alafua, Siumu, Vaitele-tai, Tulaele, Fasitoo-Uta, Nofoalii, Satupaitea, Faleatiu, Moataa, Mulivai Safata, Taufusi, Malololelei, Vaipuna, Leone, Leauvaa, Saina, and Vaitoloa. 

Police confiscated illegal firearms, illegal drugs, and pipes used for methamphetamine during these raids.

In Savai‘i, police carried out three raids in Maota, Salelologa, and Faala Palauli, resulting in 12 people being charged, including three women and nine men, also aged between 15 and 50. Those charged are from the villages of Maota, Vaitele-Uta, Papaloloa Salelologa, Vaimoso, Vaiusu, Letogo, Nuu, and Faala Palauli. 

Police seized illegal drugs, firearms, pipes used for methamphetamine, and cash during these operations.

The Acting Police Commissioner said investigations have revealed a connection between the raids in Upolu and Savai‘i, noting that Upolu is supplying Savai‘i.

About 90 per cent of those charged are currently awaiting court appearances scheduled for February.

“At this time, no one in our country has been charged with the production of methamphetamine, but people are being charged for selling it,” said Leiataua Afamasaga.

He also confirmed that photos of those charged will be posted on the Police Facebook page in the near future.

The Acting Police Commissioner added that more than 50 people are currently in custody for drug-related offences. He noted this is the first time the numbers have increased, but said police have sufficient space and officers to manage the situation.

Leiataua also said Taylor Victor Crichton, the former driver for the Minister of Customs, has been charged along with the person the drugs were imported for, after 1.4 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed in a box of frozen chicken arrived from American Samoa.