Police arrest three men wanted following Salelavalu marijuana raid

By Talaia Mika

APIA, SAMOA – 05 OCTOBER 2022: Police have arrested three men wanted following last Saturdays shooting at police during a marijuana raid at Salelavalu village.

The Commissioner of Police, Auapaau Logoitino Filipo confirmed late this morning that the three men were already on a boat bound for Upolu and will be held at the Tanumalala Prison awaiting their appearance in court.

The men are Manuia Lafaele also known as Manuia Tanuvasa from Salelavalu, Apisaloma Setu also known as Sula Setu from Salelavalu and Satupaitea and Masina Lega Taulelei also known as Ti’ata Masina Lega Taulelei from Salelavalu.

Two police officers were injured when shot at during a raid of a marijuana plantation at Salelavalu village last Saturday and were treated and discharged.

The arrests followed a search led by the Police Commissioner, Auapaau Logoitino Filipo and the Tactical Operations Squad (TOS) team assisted by the villagers.

Police have acknowledged the assistance by the Salelavalu villagers since the incident last Saturday in locating and the arrest of the three suspects.