Samoa: Police to seek approval from Attorney-General before carrying out armed raids
Around 4 May, Police Commissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo indicated the likely existence of an organised drug ring during the arrest of a man who allegedly discharged a firearm at the Faleolo International Airport. The Police Commissioner recounted the discovery of methamphetamine and illegal firearms, the presence of seven men at the Princessa accommodation who denied the offender was at the venue, and the offender’s unexplained wealth. Police Commissioner Auapaau stated that the offender posed a risk to the public because he carried a firearm and had also been identified as the suspected shooter in a separate drive-by shooting incident in Sinamoga. Following the incident, some police officers expressed concern that several incidents have occurred where police officers have been shot at. The Minister for Police, Faualo Harry Schuster, disagreed with their call to arm police officers on duty, citing that avenues already exist to arm officers when circumstances warrant, including seeking Attorney-General approval to conduct armed raids.
Assessment: It is unknown whether the identified organised crime group is linked to an international organised crime group. The increased gun violence reinforces previous reporting of unregistered firearms circulating in the community (See SPI #9, 21 November-4 December 2024). In the short term, the police are very likely to conduct further operations against the alleged organised crime group, but are likely to face challenges due to limited experience and capability. The Police and Government are likely to consult countries with organised crime expertise for assistance. Consultation with the Attorney-General to approve armed raids is likely to demoralise and slow police efforts in fighting drug-related crimes.
Sources: Marieta Heidi Ilalio, “Police probe organised drug ring,” Samoa Observer, May 4, 2025; Marieta Heidi Ilalio, “No need to be armed on duty: Minister,” Samoa Observer, May 7, 2025; Margot Staunton, “Calls to arm Samoa police grow amid rising threat of gun violence,” RNZ, May 7, 2025.
