Two Men Charged in Major Customs Seizure at Apia Wharf 

Apia, SAMOA – 10 November 2026 – Two men have been arrested and charged after Customs Officers intercepted suspected marijuana and an undeclared firearm during early morning passenger screenings at the Apia Wharf on Saturday, November 7, 2026.

The illegal drugs and firearm were found during routine processing of passengers arriving from American Samoa aboard the MV Lady Samoa IV weekly service.

Frontline officers first discovered suspected marijuana hidden inside the pocket of a 25-year-old male passenger. Moments later, a separate screening uncovered an undeclared firearm hidden inside the luggage of a 42-year-old male passenger.

The 25-year-old has been charged under the Customs Act 2014 and the Narcotics Act 1967 with importing prohibited narcotics and making a false declaration.

The 42-year-old faces charges under the Customs Act 2014 and the Arms Ordinance 1960 for importing a firearm without a permit and false declaration. Both individuals have been handed over to the Samoa Police Service.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Customs, Mulipola Lemalu Maletino Teofilo, acknowledged his team’s performance.

“These interceptions highlight the importance of routine passenger examinations, effective risk management, and the dedication of our officers in preventing illicit and prohibited goods from entering Samoa,” Chief Executive Officer Mulipola stated.

“Their vigilance continues to play a critical role in safeguarding our communities and strengthening national security.”

The Ministry of Customs reaffirmed that border controls, cargo x-rays, and specialized K9 unit deployment remain highly active across all ports of entry to detect and block transnational crime groups from using the Pacific as a transit corridor.