27 Jul 2016

Samoa and American Samoa police to get closer

3:17 pm on 27 July 2016

Samoa's Police Commissioner Fuiavailili Egon Keil says he's speaking with American Samoa about setting up a transnational crime unit in Pago Pago.

Samoa police badge bearing the country's public seal which reads "Faavae i Le Atua Samoa" which translates to English as "God be the Foundation of Samoa"

Samoa police badge bearing the country's public seal which reads "Faavae i Le Atua Samoa" which translates to English as "God be the Foundation of Samoa" Photo: RNZI/ Koroi Hawkins

21 countries that make up the Pacific Transnational Crime Network have been trying to get American Samoa as a member, and according to Fuiavailili American Samoa has finally come on board.

The Samoa police commissioner said illegal substances were entering Samoa from American Samoa and vice versa. He said the unit would mean improved communication between the two island groups.

American Samoa police headquarters

American Samoa police headquarters Photo: Supplied

Last Friday night, a passenger on the Lady Naomi trip from Pago pago to Apia was taken into custody after he was found with drug paraphernalia.