Prosecutor clarifies drug offender story

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, SAMOA – 25 March 2026: A police prosecutor has clarified that a former Catholic deacon, Wilson Simeti accused of involvement in illegal drugs has been granted bail while one of the accused, Letasi Peter Pesamino, has returned under police custody at the Tanumalala Prison.

The prosecutor also specified that Simeti is the former deacon not Pesamino as mentioned in Talamua’s article early this week.

Both Simeti and Pesamino were arrested together during a police drug raid two weeks ago and appeared before Justice Roma at the same time.

Simeti was granted bail by Supreme Court Justice, Fepuleai Ameperosa Roma on Monday while Pesamino, who is yet to enter a plea, returned to Tanumalala Prison to await his appearance in court next week.

Prosecutor Timothy Fesili informed the court that Pesamino has previous charges to which Pesamino openly denied in court.

Prosecution has until next week to finalise the charges against Pesamino and the court gave Pesamino an opportunity to write a letter to the court seeking bail.