MPs raise concern over border security, illegal drugs and weapons

Staff Reporters

APIA, SAMOA – 19 JANUARY 2022: Two new MPs have raised serious concern over Samoa’s border security as recent police raids find an increase of illegal weapons and class drugs in the country.

Former Manu Samoa Coach, and Aleipata Itupa I Lalo MP, Faleomavaega Titimaea Tafua and Aana Alofi No.2. Opposition MP, Aiono Tile point to the need for more canine and support staff to strengthen border monitoring of illegal drugs and weapons entering the country.

In their maiden speeches, Faleomavaega asked the Minister of Customs “where are these goods coming from?”

He then pointed to the need for another canine as the lone one used by Customs at the border can only work effectively five hours a day.

Aiono Tile asked for an update of the Customs scan project funded by the World Bank and expressed his fears with the increase in drugs and weapons which have not been intercepted at the borders.

“There is a voice of fear on the part of the public,” he said.

“What and who are these weapons intended for?” he asked the Minister of Customs and the Minister of Police.

Both MPs want another canine to strengthen border control.

Aiono also pointed to the fact that with the police patrol boat Nafanua 11 out of service, there is real concern about the drugs entering through other means. He reminded Parliament of a recent incidence of a yacht with loads of illegal drugs washed up on a remote island in Tonga.

Both MPs are concerned about the disruption of the peace and safety of the country and the need for border controls to be vigilant and strengthened.

Last month, separate police raids held a senior public servant and several other people for the manufacture and possession of “ice”, utensils, guns, ammunition, cash, mobiles phones and other amenities related to a potential drug trade.

Last year, a Customs officer was charged and yet to be tried in relation to the entrance of drugs hidden in cereal and other food boxes.

The Acting Commissioner of Police, Auapaau Logoitino Filipo s concerned about the amount of illegal drugs already in the country as confiscated by police and said he wants to keep Samoa safe and drugs free.