Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Samoa Observer is reporting it was tipped off by a senior Samoa police officer that the Lady Naomi is now under police radar as it is suspected that drug dealers are shipping drugs into the country from the vessel's trips to American Samoa.

This however has not been confirmed by Samoa's Police Commissioner or Deputy Police Commissioner.

BACKGROUND

On 27 May, police successfully executed a search warrant for narcotics at Moto'otua and a 46-year-old man was arrested and charged with possession of narcotics and is currently remanded in custody until a June 12, 2023 apearance.

Police seized 2.6kg of methamphetamine, utensils, money and illegal ammunition. 

The 46-year-old man arrested by police is from Fagalii and has been "under police surveillance" for some time. 

According to reports in Samoa media, he was staying at a flat in Moto'otua when he was caught by police. It was discovered by police during its preliminary investigation that the accused "uplifted a package" from the Lady Naomi in the weekend after the vessel returned from American Samoa.

Police Commissioner Auapa'au Logoitino Filipo said, “We have a strong suspicion of the vessel being used to bring illegal drugs into the country after we made the arrest,” Auapaau told Samoa newspaper Talamua. 

Although police now have a target, Auapaau said they are not suspecting the involvement of any of the Lady Samoa employees, the newspaper is reporting.