5 December, 2025, 6:14 pm Central - 25°C Clouds

Samoa customs seizes nearly 2kg of meth hidden in rice shipment

Samoa customs seizes nearly 2kg of meth hidden in rice shipment

By Iliana Biutu
05/09/2025
Photo: RNZ

Nearly 2 kilograms of methamphetamine, worth $1.8 million and concealed in rice bags from the United States, have been intercepted by Samoa’s Ministry of Customs and Revenue.

This marks Samoa’s third major drug bust this year.

The Samoa Observer reports that a 46-year-old importer has been handed over to the police for investigation.

Caretaker Minister Tuala Ioesefo Ponifasio acknowledged the officers for their vigilance, noting that traffickers may have tried to exploit the election period.

Officials estimate that the seizure prevented over $1.8 million in potential harm to the community.

The Customs Ministry emphasized the importance of intelligence-led policing and urged the public to report any suspicious cross-border activities.

Source: Samoa Observer

Click here for stories on the Drugs Situation in Fiji

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