Five more charged over raid

Five more people have been arrested and charged following Friday's drug bust and what Police say is one of the biggest drug seizure in Samoan history, including an estimated 10,000 marijuana plants, 

It brings the total of people in custody over the raid to 11. Last Friday, six people were captured including two women and an escaped prisoner: Uili Manuleleua.

A taxi driver was also taken into custody with his taxi vehicle being confiscated. 

Police also reported that they confiscated marijuana, firearms, methamphetamine utensils and cash were seized from six different plantations. 

“Over 10,000 marijuana plants were collected from six different plantations within the area,” a statement release by Police on social media says. 

“Cash, a glass pipe used for smoking meth [a drug also known by the slang term "ice"] and several weapons including a high-powered rifle were seized and confiscated. 

“This raid is recorded as one of S.P.S’s (Samoa Police Service) biggest drug bust and S.P.S. acknowledges the support and partnership of Australian Federal Police and our local police officers that worked tirelessly in planning and executing this raid.”

Led by Police Commissioner, Fuiavailiili Egon Keiml the raid was a result of a combined efforts between the Criminal Investigation Division and the Police's INTEL Unit who had been collecting and analysing information for years.  

About 100 police officers in surveillance were part of the early morning raid that depended heavily on a drone for visual surveillance. 

The Police are also warning those who continue to break the law by cultivating and dealing with marijuana and any form of illegal drugs to stop. 

Members of the public are asked to assist in providing information on those suspected to be dealing with drugs. 

“S.P.S. also encourages the members of the public who may have information or know of someone who continually cultivates and/or dealing with illegal drugs to come forward and inform S.P.S.,” reads the statement. 

Following the raid last week, the Commissioner said escaped prisoner Suitupe Faamoe Paufa was also seen during the raid with another suspect. However, they managed to evade Police. 

Fuiavailiili said while the suspects had pointed guns at them it was fortunate they did not need to discharge their weapons. 

“We don’t want to use [our guns] – it is a tool but if we must we will have to but I am glad that no one died or no one was injured. 

“They are all back and safe.”