Ten men and a woman have been charged following a major drug bust at Puipa’a with authorities putting the drugs' street value at SAT$50,000.

Methamphetamine (meth) together with ammunition was confiscated during the raid on Tuesday afternoon which targeted a family home. Over 10 Police vehicles as well as officers, some of them armed, converged on the private property in Puipa’a. Women and children were seen at the family home when the raid was executed.

Police Commissioner, Auapaau Logoitino Filipo confirmed when contacted by Samoa Observer on Wednesday that the 11 individuals detained by police overnight have been charged with possession of narcotics with additional charges to follow. 

Asked if those taken by the Police are still in custody or released, he said they are waiting for the court registrar so the accused can apply for bail. 

A statement issued by the Police on Wednesday confirmed the operation netted a substantial quantity of meth and ammunition with the drugs estimated to have a street value of SAT$50,000. The Police also seized cash and jewellery which was valued at SAT$23,000.

“It is important to note that the Samoa Police, Prisons & Corrections Services (SPPCS) is diligently carrying out its duties to ensure the safety and security of the community,” the statement reads. 

“The successful execution of this raid at Puipaa demonstrates SPPCS' commitment to combating the distribution of illicit drugs and the possession of dangerous weapons.”

According to a local resident, there have been many reports that alleged drug-related activities at the house that was the target of the raid on Tuesday. 

Another villager claimed that the tinted cars that were spotted in the area belonged to people who were regular visitors to the Puipa'a home.

 During the Police raid on Tuesday afternoon, there were men seen in handcuffs at the Puipa'a residence and a K9 dog was also seen locked inside one of the government vehicles parked outside the house.