Samoa: Drug raids very likely to increase

Between 24 December 2025 and 11 January 2026, police conducted 13 drug-related raids across Upolu and Savai‘i, charging 34 people and seizing illegal firearms, drugs, and cash. . Acting Police Commissioner Leiataua Samuelu Afamasaga said 50 drug suspects, including children, remained in custody. Some raids included armed members of the Tactical Operations Squad. The Commissioner stated the government has instituted a “zero tolerance policy,” including that any person present during a raid will be arrested, and that all offenders' names will be published publicly, including children. 

Assessment: The ongoing raids and anti-drug campaign reflect PM Schmidt’s personal oversight of the Ministry of Police, Prisons, and Corrections Services (MPPCS) and his stated priority to address the developing drug situation. Acting Commissioner Leiataua is also under consideration for confirmation in the Commissioner’s role. Enforcement operations are therefore highly likely to continue, driving networks to adopt more covert methods and potential armed confrontations.

Sources: Marieta Heidi Ilalio, “15 arrested in Savaii drug raid,” Samoa Observer, January 9, 2026; Marieta Heidi Ilalio, “Police arrest five drug suspects last week,” Samoa Observer, January 9, 2026; Andrina Elvira Burkhart, “Police confiscate $5K in Savai‘i raids, 50 in custody over drugs,” Samoa Observer, January 11, 2026.