Police Officer at Tanumalala Prison suspended

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 13 JANUARY 2023: A police officer at the Tanumalala prison has been suspended while an investigation continues on allegations against him.

“I can confirm that an officer from Tanumalala Prison has been put on suspension in relation to an issue at Tanumalala Prison,” the Police Deputy Commissioner, Papali’i Monalisa Keti confirmed with Talamua today.

She did not disclose details on the allegations against the officer as the investigation is on-going.

However, Talamua sources said there are allegations that may involve the smuggling of mobile phones and drugs inside the prison.

The source said prisoners possessing mobile phones is not new and this was evident three years ago when police conducted a thorough sweep of Tanumalala prison after a fight landed four prisoners in hospital and 30 prisoners escaped.

From that sweep, numerous contrabands were found inside prison cells including mobile phones.

“Information indicating that the suspended officer is a suspect in a drug matter is yet to be verified,” said Papalii.

The police investigation continues.