Just days after making the nation's biggest meth bust, the Ministry of Customs and Revenue intercepted 214 grams of marijuana bound inwards from overseas at the Samoa Post Office.

The latest operation took place during the week of World Customs Day 2025.

A suspicious package, arriving via Samoa Post, raised red flags for customs officials, prompting a detailed inspection. Upon careful examination, the contents were found to include 214 grams of marijuana, a substantial quantity of the illegal substance. 

This discovery marks yet another victory in the Ministry's ongoing efforts to combat the importation of drugs into the country.

The success of this operation can be attributed to Samoa Customs' enhanced enforcement capabilities, which include state-of-the-art detection technology and a robust intelligence-driven risk assessment system. 

With the help of advanced X-ray scanning equipment, officials were able to swiftly and accurately identify the hidden drugs, preventing them from reaching local communities.

The intercepted drugs have since been handed over to the Ministry of Police, Prison and Corrections Service for further investigation and legal action. 

In a statement following the seizure, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Customs and Revenue, Fonoti Talaitupu Li’a-Taefu, reaffirmed the department's unwavering dedication to combatting the importation of illicit substances. 

"The drug busts this week highlight our ongoing commitment to protecting Samoa from the dangers posed by illegal drugs. We remain vigilant in our efforts and will continue to strengthen our border control measures, working closely with both local and international enforcement partners," she said.

This latest seizure comes just days after the Ministry of Customs made a significant breakthrough with the confiscation of 10 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as "crystal ice," which was intercepted earlier this week. 

The seizure of the 10 kg shipment is one of the largest of its kind in Samoa's recent history, further illustrating the country's heightened efforts in tackling the growing threat of illicit drug trafficking.

According to the statement, the marijuana and crystal methamphetamine seizures highlight the ongoing success of Samoa’s strengthened border control systems and reflect the collaborative efforts between Customs, law enforcement agencies, and international partners in the fight against transnational drug smuggling.

"Samoa’s Customs Department continues to invest in cutting-edge technologies, specialised training for officers, and international intelligence-sharing initiatives to effectively tackle the evolving tactics used by traffickers," said MCR.

"In the face of an increasingly sophisticated global drug trade, the Ministry remains determined to protect the nation from the harmful impacts of illegal substances.

"As World Customs Day 2025 celebrations draw to a close, the Ministry of Customs and Revenue is reminded of its critical role in not only protecting the nation’s borders but also ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens. With continued vigilance, proactive enforcement measures, and international collaboration, Samoa is sending a strong message to those seeking to undermine the country’s security and public health: the fight against illicit drugs is far from over."