Village Council fines families implicated in drug raid

The families of the men and women at Faleatiu implicated in one of Samoa’s biggest ever drug raids have been fined by the Village Council.

The fines were confirmed by the Village Mayor of Faleatiu, Letoaoa'ana Sua Talimatasi, during an interview with the Samoa Observer.

 “We held our meeting on Monday and the families involved have been fined,” he said.

The Village Mayor declined to say how much the fines were and which families were fined.

“They were fined in accordance with penalties set by our village and their penalty included fine mats,” said Letoaoa'ana.

The undercover drug raid led by the Commissioner of Police, Fuiavaili’ili Egon Keil, and more than 100 officers seized about 10,000 marijuana plants, firearms, methamphetamine, ammunition and cash.

Eleven suspects including two women have been arrested.

Letoaoa’ana told the Samoa Observer the Village Council does not condone having people deal with drugs at Faletiu. This is why it was important for the village to penalize the families of people implicated, he said.

He also clarified that a number of suspects arrested are not from Faleatiu.

The Village Mayor applauded the Commissioner of Police and his Officers for their efforts.

 “I want to commend the Commissioner, his management and the many Police Officers who are fighting to eradicate drugs in the Country,” he said.

“They received tips and they acted accordingly and we cannot thank them enough, the seizing of these illegal drugs, unlicensed firearm and other illegal items is commendable.”

He urged the Commissioner to continue the mission to rid Samoa of drugs. He also assured the Faleatiu Village Council would always be happy to help where they can.