Inter Samoa Customs identify needs for cooperation as illicit trade increases

APIA, SAMOA – 13 MARCH 2023: Customs in both Samoa and American Samoa have identified the need for stringent cooperation to address major concerns such as increasing illicit trade between the two Samoas.

A delegation from Customs in American Samoa had been meeting with their counterparts in Apia last week to follow through the issues discussed during the Atoa Samoa discussions held in October 2022.

A statement released after the meetings said “the in-depth discussions further substantiates the fact that illicit drugs and substances, false declaration and undervaluation of goods, increased trade of counterfeit goods and medicine, are areas of concern and more stringent and cohesive relationship is needed to ensure both countries address this concern effectively.”

The visit was facilitated through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and aimed at improving customs relations between the two countries and promoting open dialogue in trade facilitation, border protection, and enforcement. The objective was to discuss areas of mutual interest and explore viable solutions to common issues.

The Delegation led by the Chief of Customs in American Samoa, Mr. Elisara Elisara and comprises of five managers and officers in charge of Customs units as well as two officials from the IT team in the Treasury Department.

The week long visit started with an introductory meeting with MCR on Monday 6^th March 2023.   The Delegation also attended to Parliament session of Tuesday morning, and were acknowledged by the Speaker of the Fono, followed by a courtesy call with Prime Minister of Samoa, Fiame Mataafa, and Deputy Prime Minister, Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio on the same day.

From Wednesday, meetings were conducted with the Acting CEO, Management and team of MCR,  Acting CEO for the Ministry of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Immigration Team and the Joint K9 Unit.  The delegation was briefed on Samoa’s Immigration Border Management System and the level of coordination of Border Agencies in a number of committees, units and working groups, such as the Transnational Crimes Unit, the National Security Committee and others.

Te delegation also had Site Visits of the passenger and cargo clearance processes at both Faleolo International Airport and Matautu International Wharf, and the team also visited the Joint K9 Facility at Tuanaimato, and were introduced to the newest member of the Unit, Officer Euro, the Customs K9 dog.  The K9 operations was one of the key focus areas of the visit in view of the emerging border risks on smuggling narcotics and illicit substances, money laundering and counterfeit goods.

During the site visit to the Faleolo International Airport, the delegation had a walk through and first hand involvement in the passenger and cargo clearance of the Air New Zealand flight which arrived on Thursday afternoon.

The in-depth discussions further substantiates the fact that illicit drugs and substances, false declaration and undervaluation of goods, increased trade of counterfeit goods and medicine, are areas of concern and more stringent and cohesive relationship is needed to ensure both countries address this concern effectively.