No complaints against Police over alleged wrongful arrests

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, SAMOA – 29 January 2026 – The Acting Police Commissioner, Leiataua Samuelu Afamasaga has confirmed that no official complaints have been lodged against the police for alleged wrongful arrests against suspects in recent illegal drug raids.

“No complaint has been lodged,” he told the media.

He said all raids executed from December to January were well organised and executed.

He also confirmed that no one has been arrested then later released.

The only case where police arrested and released a young man was during a recent raid at Savaii early this month where the young man was released with a warning.

“This man was filming the police raid and was warned twice not to but continued to do so,” said Leiataua.  

The man could have been charged with obstruction but was given a warning against filming a police raid then released.

Family missing assets
The only complaint received by police are families complaining about assets missing from their homes after a raid.

Leiataua clarified that there are times when assets are photographed during a raid then seized by police.

He said the office is open for complaints unless they prefer directing their complaints to the Ombudsman office.

No military style raid
One area Leiataua clarified is that police do not use military style to enforce the law.

Police arrived at the target home, identified themselves as police and showed the search warrant.

He said most of the families understood their work after explaining then allowed them in, but if a targeted home is secured but the person refuses to cooperate, then the police have the authority to use force if necessary.

But as for reports on complaints against police for raiding wrong homes and arrests, nothing has been confirmed.