Minister calls Police to action and commitment to a drug-free Samoa

Apia, Samoa – 9 October 2025 – The Acting Minister of Police, Mulipola Anarosa Ale-Molio’o is calling for national unity and determination in facing the growing problem of illegal drugs in Samoa.

In launching the “12 Months Say No to Illegal Drugs Campaign” on 8 October 2025, Mulipola called the police to action and commitment to undergo regular drug testing.

“Today, I call upon our Samoa Police, Prisons and Correction Services to lead by example — to begin regular drug testing within your ranks, as a powerful statement of integrity and commitment to a drug-free Samoa,” said Mulipola.

“And I encourage all Government Ministries and agencies to follow this example.

“Let us stand together, united in purpose and accountability — showing our young people that real leadership begins with clean hands, clear minds, and courageous hearts,” Mulipola stated.

Campaign speaks directly to the heart
As a former Minister of the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development, Mulipola has seen firsthand the pain and the hope that live side by side in our communities.

And she told a “Story from Savai‘i: Hope in the Eyes of Our Youth”.

“Last December — on the 6th of December 2024 — I sat in Savai‘i with close to 400 young people and their families during the Youth Campaign “Say No to Drugs”, organised by the Ministry I once led.

“It was one of the most powerful and humbling moments of my service. We listened to the voices of our young men and women — many speaking openly for the first time about peer pressure, fear, and the courage it takes to choose a better path.

“One young man stood up and said, “We are not lost — We just need someone to believe in us!”

“That day, I saw something extraordinary — not despair, but determination. The outcome was clear: our youth are ready to rise, if we as leaders, parents, and communities walk beside them.

“That experience resonates deeply with this 12-month national campaign — because it reminds us that saying “No to Drugs” also means saying “Yes to Life, Yes to Hope” and “Yes to the Dreams” of our young people.

Police Parade during the campaign launch 8 October in Apia.

Protecting the Heart of Samoa
According to Mulipola, the Pacific is no longer just a transit point for illegal drugs — it is our shared Blue Pacific home. As these threats move closer, we must protect our shores not only with stronger borders but with stronger hearts.

“Our response must be rooted in our values – Fa’asinomaga, Alofa, Tautua ma le Fa’atuatua – Identity, Love, Service and Faith,” she stated.

“This campaign is not just about enforcement; it is about empowerment, prevention, and healing.

• Empowerment: Giving our youth confidence to say no, and showing them opportunities to say yes — to education, work, and faith.
• Prevention: Strengthening the role of our churches, schools, and village councils — because protection begins in the home.
• Healing: For those already affected. We must not lose them to shame or silence.

“We must never leave anyone behind — through love, we restore life.

“The success of this campaign depends on every Sui o le Nu‘u, every Sui o Tama‘ita‘i, every pastor, teacher, youth group, and family. Each one of us must become a protector, a messenger of hope, and a guardian of the next generation.

Police and Partners in the 12 months long campaign.

“Samoa is one big Family — O le tatou Aiga Tele. When we stand together — Tātou Tula‘i Fa‘atasi — nothing can break our spirit.

“Let this 12-month campaign ignite a movement that continues long after the year ends — where every district declares itself Drug-Free, and every village becomes a place of safety, faith, and opportunity.

“As I look back to that day in Savai‘i, I still remember the hope in the eyes of those 400 young people. Their message was simple but powerful: “We are ready — help us protect our future.”

“Today, we answer that call. We say no to drugs, yes to life, yes to hope, and yes to each other. O le aso e fausia ai taeao — Through unity, we build tomorrow.

“May this campaign light a fire in every family, every village, and every heart — a fire of courage, vigilance, and love for our Samoa.

“May we, the people of Samoa, stand watch together — parents and children, faife‘au and chiefs, teachers and youth — to guard the soul of our nation.

“Let us stand together, united in purpose and accountability — showing our young people that real leadership begins with clean hands, clear minds, and courageous hearts.”

“For Samoa’s strength has never been in its wealth, but in its heart. And when that heart beats as one —We cannot be broken!

“I now declare the “Say No to Drugs” Campaign officially launched.

God bless Samoa!”