Police consider drugs testing officers as narcotics allegations mount

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, Samoa – 09 January 2024: Deputy Police Commissioner, Papali’i Monalisa Tia’i Keti says Police is looking at establishing a drugs test policy for all police officers as allegations of officers involvement in illegal drugs mount.

Papalii confirmed that one female and three male police officers have been suspended on narcotics related allegations.

She said drug allegations against police officers are not new and is a concern to the Ministry and did not disclose further details relating to the officers suspension as an internal investigation is underway.

However, she emphasized that the Ministry of Police does not and will not tolerate such behaviour from those who have sworn to serve and protect Samoa and its’ people.

She noted some of the cases in the past where 23 police officers were implicated following a drug raid at Vaigaga in 2022.

Some officers implicated then resigned before the investigation started and some later faced lesser charges.

Drugs Policy to test police officers
With so many allegations against police involvement in drugs, Papalii said the Ministry is now looking at establishing a drugs test policy for all police officers.

She said such policy will determine when and how often the tests shall be carried out.