American Samoa's Congressman, Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin, has asked the US Attorney General to conduct a full scale investigation into drug trafficking in the territory.
The congressman says that over the last two decades, the drug trade in American Samoa has escalated from small-scale marijuana importation into a network that affects not only American Samoa but the whole South Pacific Region.
He said the drug trafficking network in the territory continues to flourish, largely due to poor customs enforcement on incoming cargo.
According to Faleomavaega the rise in drug use has been associated with an increase of suicides and violent crimes.
The congressman referred to drug trafficking in American Samoa as a severe problem that needs desperate attention.
