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Samoa Seeks NZ Support For More K9 After Seizing 10kg Of Meth
31 January 2025
Grace Tinetali-Fiavaai, RNZ Pacific Journalist
Samoa police are turning to their counterparts in New Zealand to beef up law enforcement efforts to tackle the increasing cases of drug smuggling, the country's police chief says.
On Wednesday, Samoan authorities intercepted 10 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine (worth almost NZ$2.5 million in street value), which has been described reported by Samoa Observer as "the largest known drug smuggling operation" on the island.
Three people - a 70-year-old businessman and two employees (a male and a female) - have been arrested in connection with the drug haul.
Police commissioner Auapa'au Logoitino Filipo said the drugs were found in a shipping container from the United States and were cleverly concealed in cereal-like packaging.
Authorities are still investigating whether the container was intended to remain in Samoa or to be transported to another country.
Auapa'au told Radio Samoa on Thursday the operation was aided by the K9 Unit and they are working to acquire more K9s from New Zealand to assist them in a variety of tasks.
He said there are two K9s - one each for police and customs - and it was insufficient to tackle the drug smuggling issue effectively given the multiple entry points into Samoa.
Auapa'au added there is an influx of methamphetamine in Pacific Islands, and it is a regional concern.
"So far, there has been no evidence suggesting that methamphetamine is being manufactured in Samoa, with no signs of laboratory equipment found."
A NZ police spokesperson told RNZ Pacific that as part of the Pacific Detector Dog Programme, they are actively involved in supporting Samoa in K9 supply and training and have been for a number of years.
"We are working closely with Samoa Police and Customs on additional K9 support into the future."
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