Prime Minister leads by example, takes and returns negative drug test

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, SAMOA – 26 March 2026: Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt was the first to be tested after the official launch of the Drug Testing Procedural Guide at Sheraton Hotel Tuesday night.

The Testing Procedure is a major step to test all public servants and government workers in the fight against illegal drugs.

He and several other public servants who followed his example came out with negative test results.

He also asked to have all his police escorts tested last night.

No one should be left behind including church ministers after Reverend Piilua Sao Fereti who led the service suggested to include them.

The drug testing was organised by the Public Service Commission led by the Chairman, Nonu Lemauga Saleimoa Vaai and Secretary Kolone Tikeri and the tests done by the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa (SROS). The Chief Executive Officer, Fiso Dr. Fiame Leo explained the process for testing can use three methods: testing by saliva, urinary or a hair.

“Seal the Deal”
Leading the ceremony, Reverend Piilua Sao Fereti of the EFKS Manono-tai cited a verse from the book of Ezekiel where God spoke of what the people of his chosen nation were doing and the need for immediate action to address them.

And he said to me, “Son of man, do you see what they are doing—the utterly detestable things the Israelites are doing here, things that will drive me far from my sanctuary? But you will see things that are even more detestable.”

Reverend Fereti said the verse was ideal with the Government’s initiative to act and do something about illegal drugs.

He highlighted the scriptures message to deal with the issue rather than waiting until something happens.

“Once you do something good, sustain it, maintain it and continue doing it,” said Reverend Fereti.

Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt with the Chairman of the Public Service Commission and SROS scientists at the launch of the Drug Testing Procedural Guide.

A new beginning
Prime Minister Laauli noted the Reverend’s scriptural message that one must act immediately to remedy a situation.

“This (illegal drugs) issue should have given priority to and dealt with earlier,” he said. “Now, people are suffering as the illegal drug issue escalates in the homes, as parents use and sell them as their children watch,” he said.

“The worst now is the involvement of parents and children who love, sleep and consume the drug under the same roof,” said Laauli.

Since police accelerated raids in its campaign against illegal drugs six months ago, over 200 people are now in police custody. Fifty percent of these people are women.

According to the Prime Minister, the problem has been left to grow without a serious effort to deal with it for far too long and became accepted as normal. Senior public servants and law enforcement officers were involved with some police officers quickly resigning when tested positive.

The Prime Minister posed the question on is what kind of future the next generation of Samoa holds if the drug problem is not addressed sooner.

“O a foliga o le isi 10 tausaga, o a foliga o le fanau e fesootai i aoga, galuega a le Malo, o a foliga e iai Samoa pe a leai se mea faia i le taimi nei?” he asked.

He said the call to end this problem is in the hands of the Government, Parliament, Courts and everyone in order to deliver a better future for the next generation.

He referred to the Memorandum of Understanding signed with the New Zealand Government last week to protect borders against drugs trafficking and support for the local police.

“So, let’s work together and deal with it, let’s seal the deal,” he emphasized.

Drug testing is now mandatory for all public servants and will be a future requirement for all applicants to government jobs.