PM Calls on Village Mayors to Stand Together Against Illicit Drugs

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, SAMOA – 15 December 2025: Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt has called on all Village Mayors and Government representatives to take a united stand against illicit drugs.

The Prime Minister made the call at the Cabinet meeting with all Village Mayors and Village representatives at the Tooa Salamasina Hall this morning.

One of the areas the Government is looking at in addressing the rapid growing illicit drugs problem is to enforce the Village Fono Act where village councils implement their own penalties on offenders but will not stop the law from taking its course.

Laauli informed the gathering that the recent police drug raid was conducted at family homes where children were present saying it was sad for the children to witnesses such in a place they were supposed to be safe.

“The safety and security of children and everyone is of utmost importance and a priority in any Government, but the reality of drug entering family homes and the street is becoming prevalent,” the Prime Minister emphasized.

He said the latest report from the Ministry of Justice & Courts Administration (MJCA) show more than 1000 young people are recorded to have mental issues relating to illegal drugs.

According to Laauli, what is even more concerning is the involvement of public servants in illegal drugs activities.

A recent police raid charged and held a couple who are both teachers for the possession of methamphetamine.

“The Government cannot do this alone, we need to stand and work together,” he said.

The Prime Minister also called on the support of all the churches to join the fight against illicit drugs and ensure “blood” money does not overtake the safety and security of the country.

Ministry for Family Affairs & the District Development Project
One of the avenues where the drug issues can and should be addressed is through the District Council $1 Million District Development Project.

The Government has already informed the country of its plan to divide the Ministry of Women, Social Development & Community (MWSDC) into two entities.

One will be the Ministry of District Development Project and the other, the Ministry of Family Affairs which will cover men, women and youth.

Laauli said it was a good initiative to create a Ministry pertaining to women at which his late father, Polataivao Fosi Schmidt was the first Cabinet Minister. However, the Government has seen over time, that the emphasis on developing women focused projects had overtaken the balance needed on other sectors such as men and youth.

Youth and students are now targeted by illicit drug dealers, and the Government needs to look at a balance to accommodate the needs of all.

The Prime Minister with the full Cabinet at this mornings meeting with the Village Mayors and Village representatives.

Leave politics aside
With the general election over, and the FAST government chosen by the people to lead Samoa in the next 5 years, the Prime Minister called on all the Village Mayors and Village representatives to come and work together to build and develop the country.

“Let’s talk, consult and discuss together to build our country until the next elections, then we go support our own political parties; but for now, we need to stand together and build a better Samoa,” the Prime Minister stated.

He said it’s time for everyone to develop through the $1m District Development Project and that the FAST government’s core intention, is to work closely with the Alii ma Faipule in developing their districts through the project.

He urged the gathering to put aside politics as it is time now to focus on developing the country and people.