Samoa Police arrested five suspects and seized 5,000 marijuana plants during a drug raid at Faleatiu in August 2023.[1] Officers searching the location also found marijuana seeds and unregistered firearms.[1] The operation was one of the police service’s major raids at Faleatiu village.[2] Police uprooted the marijuana plants and brought them to main headquarters following the raid.[2] Police also confiscated unregistered guns and other materials alongside the marijuana plants.[2]

Police estimated the street value of the seized plants to be worth 250,000 talā.[1] The Samoa Police, Prisons, and Corrections Services (SPPCS) carried out the search after the village raised concerns about ongoing issues involving narcotics.[2] Authorities described the search as successful, saying it resulted in the seizure of the plants, seeds and firearms and the arrest of the five suspects.[1]

The SPPCS said it would continue to combat drug-related activities in Samoa because their use can have severe medical and criminal consequences.[1] Police conveyed sincere gratitude to the public for ongoing assistance and support in ensuring safety for all.[1] Officials urged residents to come forward with any information about drug-related activities in their community and inform police immediately or contact a nearby station.[1]