Travellers coming into Samoa must familiarise themselves with the nation's import restrictions, said the Chief Executive Officer of Customs, Fonoti Talaitupu Li'a-Taefu. 

The Ministry of Customs continues to utilise risk profiling, intelligence, and screening technologies to safeguard communities from the harmful impacts of drugs.

She made the comments after a passenger of a Fiji Airways flight from Nadi to Apia was charged and taken into police custody for alleged drug offences.

He was identified as a Samoan national with a New Zealand passport and residing in Australia.

"Customs herein reminds all travellers that the importation of illicit drugs and related paraphernalia into Samoa is strictly prohibited and carries severe penalties under the relevant laws," the CEO said.

"Travellers are urged to declare all goods accurately and to familiarise themselves with Samoa's import restrictions before travel."

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Customs, they intercepted 90 grams of marijuana and drug paraphernalia from a passenger who arrived at Faleolo International Airport earlier Wednesday morning.

A 43-year-old male passenger was intercepted during routine border clearance processes.

The passenger was found to have six bottles containing marijuana, along with a cannabis grinder and rolling papers.

"The items which are deemed prohibited goods were detected during standard screening and examination processes conducted by frontline customs officers."

Customs said substances and associated paraphernalia were seized in accordance with the Customs Act and Narcotics Act.

It has been confirmed by sources at the police that the suspect has been taken into custody and charged with possession of narcotics.

He will appear in court next month.