The Head of Government, Hon. La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polata’ivao Fosi Schmidt, did not mince his words about some taxi drivers after reports that they have been illegally delivering methamphetamine (“ice”) and marijuana.
The Prime Minister said that if, during police raids, a taxi driver is found pushing meth and marijuana, the driver will be arrested and charged, the taxi licence will be revoked, and the taxi stand where that taxi operates will be shut down completely.
This warning from the Head of Government is directed at everyone who is using taxis to sell illegal drugs around the country, to take it seriously.
The main goal is to identify all hotspots and areas where these illegal drugs are being distributed and sold.
The Prime Minister said:
“Records now show that many taxis are at the forefront of delivering illegal drugs.
“For your awareness, you taxi operators, the Government will not back away, because if this is the method being used to deliver meth and marijuana, people should be well prepared for when they are caught.
“Once you are found committing this offence in your taxi, know that you will no longer have a vehicle, and the taxi stand where your vehicle is based will also be shut down. That is the protective measure that must be taken.
“Those who are committing this offence are using taxis to deliver these drugs, and the Government will not avoid its duty to sweep this problem out of the country.
“Remember, the Ministry of Police, Prisons and Corrections is already carrying out operations to protect our country from these serious crimes.”
The Government is also working together with village councils in each village to closely monitor this situation, so that we can have a safe Samoa where people live happily without the future of our children being put at risk.
This article, written in Samoan by Savali Newspaper reporter Taunuuga Toatasi, was originally published on the Savali Newspaper Facebook page and is republished here with permission.
