14 Defendants in Latest Police Drug Raid Remain in Custody

By Jeannie Penehuro/

Apia, SAMOA – 17 August 2026 – The 14 defendants charged in connection with the last weeks Police drug raid, appeared in the Supreme Court today and have remained in custody as the legal process continues.

Justice Ameperosa Roma denied one of the defendants’ request to be released on bail.

The court scheduled 8 of the defendants’ cases to be heard on 24 August 2026 while the other six cases were adjourned to 31 August 2026 to give police time to complete their investigations and finalize charges.

Justice Roma also explained to the defendants that they should use this week of adjournment to find a lawyer in their defence.

All of the defendants remain in custody while the legal process continues.