16 Apr 2009

American Samoa's govt asks court to dismiss drug case

10:53 am on 16 April 2009

American Samoa's government has asked a court to dismiss a drug case because evidence that was to be used in the prosecution has disappeared.

Punaloa David Atofau's home and vehicle had been raided by police in April of last year.

23.4 grams of crystal methamphetamine or ice and 6,000 US dollars were seized from the raid.

According to a motion, the Assistant Attorney General, Nicole Castro, said she was notified by the Vice and Narcotics Division of the Department of Public Safety or DPS that the evidence is now missing.

The motion goes on to state that at some point on or after May 3, the analyzed, seized controlled substance was removed from the evidence Room.

The motion also notes that the DPS commissioner has initiated an investigation into the disappearance of the evidence and at the time of the filing of the motion, the investigation was still on going.

Four police officers have been placed on leave.

The court has not set a hearing date for the motion to dismiss.