Taxi owner hails police efforts to stamp out illegal drug problem

By Esther Yvonne Atonio/

Apia, SAMOA – 17 January 2026: Founder and owner of one of the longest serving taxi businesses in Apia, City Cabs at Taufusi is strongly supporting the Government and Police efforts to stamp out the illegal drugs problem now targeting young people and school children.

Faavela Faamaite expressed his gratitude for the government’s efforts to address this drug problem, noting the damaging impact on Samoan teenagers, and young women and girls.

“E lelei ua faia se fuafuaga le malo e tineia ma fa’aitiitia le faafitauli ua aafia ai le tupulaga o Samoa le gata o ali’i ae o tama’ita’i.”

Police have identified the use of taxis to deliver illegal drugs and the Prime Minister and Minister of Police told the media this week that taxi businesses will be closed down if they are confirmed to be involved in the growing drugs trade.

Faamaite suggests that the penalty must fall on the taxi driver or anyone found using their vehicles to sell drugs and the business owner should not be affected unless the owner is found to involved.

He said the law should handle penalties for any taxi driver caught and revoke  business owners license if they are confirmed to be involved.

“Leai se mea o le a tapunia ai fale ta’avale, vagana ua maua le pule o fale ta’avale ma ave ta’avale o lo’o faia le soli tulafono na talafeagai ai lea o le tapuni o fale ta’avale,” said Faavela

He emphasized that law-abiding taxi stands should not suffer for the actions of a few and that individual offenders be held accountable.

The taxi owner also advocates for the implementation of strict regulations prohibiting drivers from drug use and illegal activities, emphasizing that owners must maintain active oversight and promptly address any misconduct.

The police are looking at providing random drug tests for taxi drivers as police intel indicate the use of taxis to deliver illegal drugs.