Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On November 6, 2025, local authorities executed a search warrant that led to the arrest of two men in possession of illegal substances, cash, and packaging materials for methamphetamine (meth).

The two suspects were later charged as follows:

Leni Vaivao was charged with:

Count 1: Possession of a Controlled Substance, a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment for not less than five years and not more than 20 years, or a fine not more than $20,000, or both.

Sonny Kelemete was charged with:

Count 1: Possession of a Controlled Substance with the Intent to Distribute, a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment for not less than five years and not more than 20 years, or a fine not more than $20,000, or both imprisonment and fine;

Count 2 & 3: Possession of a Controlled Substance, a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment for not less than five years and not more than 20 years, or a fine not more than $20,000, or both; and,

Count 4 & 5: Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, a class A misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to one year, a fine not to exceed $1,000.00, or both.

Both defendants were held without bail.

According to the court affidavit, filed on November 7, authorities executed a search warrant on the residence of Sonny Kelemete (later identified as suspect #1), on Nov 6th.

The suspect, also known as “Moosky,” was the only person living in the residence.

During the execution of the search warrant, the officers located two firearms in Mr. Kelemete’s bedroom. One was a SKS 7.62 by .39 ml caliber rifle, and the other was a .22 caliber rifle.

Both guns are illegal to possess unless the Commissioner of Public Safety issues a license or permit.  The officers informed the Commissioner that the suspect did not have a permit for the firearms.

In addition to the firearms, the officers also found a crystalline powdery substance that the authorities suspected to be Meth. Some of the other items found included digital scales and multiple unused packaging materials, such as cut-up drinking straws and dozens of unused “simoi” baggies.

Police officers also located approximately $4,000 in cash, mostly in small denominations. This money is believed to be proceeds from illegal drug sales.

The investigation later revealed that Kelemete is unemployed and has never worked or held a job.

Kelemete was apprehended, and authorities found in his possession more cash — approximately $500 — and a crystalline substance.

Also, during the execution of the search warrant, Leni Vaivao was taken into custody. A glass pipe commonly known to smoke Meth and small baggies containing crystalline substances were found on Mr. Vaivao.

The alleged controlled substance was later tested and yielded positive results for Methamphetamine.

[Editor’s Note: An affidavit is a written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation for use as evidence in court. It is not a court decision. Under local law, defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty by the court.]