The Samoa Airport Authority boss cited "miscommunication" that led to the extensive screening of people's personal belongings at the Faleolo International Airport entrance last week.  

The Chief Executive Officer of the Samoa Airport Authority (SAA) Tumanuvao Evile Falefatu made the point in a press statement intended to clarify "landside random vehicle security screening measures at the Faleolo International Airport". 

Tumanuvao also referred to several incidents involving the use of dangerous weapons and the discharging of a firearm at the international airport prompting the implementation of random vehicle screening. 

Police Commissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo has verified the incident of discharging a firearm at the Faleolo International Airport with the suspect still on the run. 

Police reported the suspect Toese Tuuaga was involved in a brawl at the airport on 19 March and they are still searching for him. 

Meanwhile, Tumanuvao said the random screening of vehicles has now ceased and was in response to serious and escalating threats to public safety, security and airport property. 

He noted three separate incidents in the past months involving violent disputes on airport grounds where weapons such as machetes were used and a firearm discharged. 

Tumanuvao also pointed out the screening operation was only intended for security-related questions to the public but not to conduct physical searches of vehicles and people's belongings. 

"These occurrences represented a threat to the safety and security of travellers, airport personnel, and the general public. As stipulated in the Airport Authority Act 2012, relevant by-laws, operating procedures and codes of practices, the SAA may exercise all necessary measures to prevent such threats from materializing again," he said. 

"It is important to note that the initial intent of the screening operation was to carry out a brief series of security-related questions to the general public entering the Airport, not to conduct physical searches of vehicles or personal belongings. Unfortunately, there was a miscommunication with some members of our security teams, which resulted in unintended and more extensive screening procedures at the entry point in recent days."

He added they regret the inconvenience it caused the public and the decision was made with safety and security as their highest priority. SAA is currently reviewing its communication and operational protocols to ensure clarity and consistency in the future. 

Attorney General, Sua Hellene Wallwork recently raised legal repercussions of the search carried out by SAA informing Tumanuvao of such concern.  

"My concern with the public notice is that you do not state which laws you are relying on to exercise this power to carry out searches, you refer to "safety regulations, airport security policies and regulations but there are no details provided as to what these are and where they are available for the public to read. You do not set out the procedures or consequences if any items are found during the searches," she told SAA in a letter.

The Attorney General said her concern was that the searches being carried out were unlawful and that a search carried out unlawfully by any government officer impacts the prosecution of any offences and also exposes the government to civil liabilities.