Two Samoan men have been charged following the discovery of suspected marijuana and an undeclared firearm during separate passenger inspections at Apia Wharf on Saturday, 7 November 2026.
The men were travelling aboard the MV Lady Samoa IV, which operates a weekly service between Samoa and American Samoa.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Customs on Sunday, officers conducting routine passenger examinations in the early hours of Saturday discovered suspected marijuana concealed in the pocket of a 25-year-old male passenger.
A short time later, Customs officers inspecting the luggage of another passenger, aged 42, discovered a firearm that had not been declared.
The 25-year-old has been charged with importing prohibited goods, making a false declaration and possession of narcotics under the Customs Act 2014 and the Narcotics Act 1967.
The 42-year-old faces charges relating to the importation of a firearm without the required permit and making a false declaration under the Customs Act 2014 and the Arms Ordinance 1960.
Both men have been handed over to the Samoa Police Service for further investigation and legal proceedings.
The Ministry did not disclose the quantity of suspected marijuana recovered, the type of firearm involved or whether either passenger had previously come to the attention of authorities.
Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Customs, Mulipola Lemalu Maletino Teofilo, commended the officers involved, saying the interceptions demonstrated the importance of routine passenger checks and effective border surveillance.
“These interceptions highlight the importance of routine passenger examinations, effective risk management, and the dedication of our officers in preventing illicit and prohibited goods from entering Samoa,” he said.
The Ministry said it would continue working with the Samoa Police Service and other law enforcement agencies to prevent prohibited goods from entering the country and address transnational crime.
