A man who alleged that Samoa Airways was transporting narcotics in empty coffins was charged by police.

Police Commissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo confirmed that Mau Hunt was in custody last week and was bailed on Thursday with strict conditions that he sign at Apia Police station every Friday and was not allowed to make any comments on social media.

Auapaau said Hunt is facing one charge of harassment using electronic devices, one count of defamation and one of insulting words.

He is due to appear in the District Court on 15 April.

Samoa Airways lodged the police complaint against Hunt after a series of false allegations on social media. Last month he said the airline had been transporting an empty coffin from Pago Pago, American Samoa with illegal drugs in it.

Samoa Airways in a statement said the entire allegations were unfounded and claimed that they have strict guidelines and processes in place to ensure the safe and respectful transport of human remains.

Samoa Airways denied the claims saying that coffins are transported on their aircraft accompanied by family members or authorised representatives.

"We want to emphasize that Samoa Airways has never transported a coffin in the manner described by Mr Hunt and there is no truth to the allegations of drug trafficking associated with any cargo we have handled," the statement said.