Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A suspect has been identified after Samoa customs officers intercepted a shipment containing 1.4 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed inside a box of frozen chicken. The shipment arrived from American Samoa and was flagged through a targeted operation conducted on Saturday. Samoa officers secured the consignment on arrival and carried out enforcement procedures before detaining the individual linked to the importation.

When asked to confirm the suspect’s identity, Acting Police Commissioner Leiataua Samuelu Afamasaga said he was aware that the suspect worked for the ministry.

Meanwhile, the man arrested and charged for allegedly importing the 1.4 kilograms of methamphetamine has been identified as Taylor Victor Crichton, the driver for the Minister of Customs, Masinalupe Makesi Pisi.

The Samoa Observer is reporting that Crichton was involved in uplifting the methamphetamine. The Observer contacted the Ministry of Customs and Revenue and the office of the Minister of Customs on Monday, where officials confirmed that Crichton is assigned as the minister’s driver. The Ministry also confirmed he did not report to work on Monday.

This is the third-largest methamphetamine bust on record this year. In January, Customs seized four kilograms of meth disguised as Lifesaver candies, and in September, two kilograms were found hidden inside rice. People have been charged, and all the matters are now before the court.

Crichton was charged with possession and importation of methamphetamine following a Customs operation on Saturday, 22 November.

(Source: Samoa Observer)

BACKGROUND

A few months ago, Samoa's government pointed the finger at American Samoa as being a source of illegal drugs being smuggled into their country. Local lawmakers have cried “foul” — with some asking for proof or an apology.

Two interceptions by Samoa authorities of amphetamine (‘ice’) shipments from American Samoa in 2025 have been documented:

November 2025: A shipment of 1.4 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed within a box of frozen chicken that arrived from American Samoa was intercepted.

March 2025: At Faleolo Regional Airport —  seized methamphetamine and a smoking pipe from a passenger arriving on a flight from American Samoa.

In October 2025, according to the Pacific News Service, then Samoa Commissioner of Police, Auapaau Logoitino Filipo, said the concern now faced by the police and the whole country is the rapid increase in the number of people now going into drugs especially methamphetamine.

He said that since 2020, methamphetamine has taken over from marijuana and had dominated the local illegal drugs market.

Auapaau also noted one major change which is the growing involvement of younger people especially college students.

Some of the young street vendors suspected to be under 18 years of age have been flagged as drug pushers.

“The core root of all these is getting fast money and we have CCTV cameras around key places in town like the Fish Market where we detained some of them at the small restaurants around the area,” said Auapaau.

Auapaau said they have also noted that the number of women involved in drugs have also increased.

Of note, during its campaign for the August elections, the FAST Party highlighted the menace of illegal drugs and strengthening the law enforcement agencies of government among its top policy and action priorities.

Days after moving into government, Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt, and the Acting Minister of Police Mulipola Anarosa Ale-Molioo met with the Australian High Commissioner where it was made clear that tackling illegal drugs was a foremost priority.

The current Acting Commissioner is Leiataua Samuelu Afamasaga, until a permanent replacement is appointed.