Samoa seeks NZ support for more K9 after seizing 10kg of meth

by Martin Haffner Associate Editor Samoa police are turning to their counterparts in New Zealand to beef up law enforcement efforts to tackle the increasing cases of drug smuggling, the country’s police chief says. On Wednesday, Samoan authorities intercepted 10 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine (worth almost NZ$2.5 million in street value), which has been described…

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Samoa political saga: Challenge to party removal reported

by Martin Haffner Associate Editor Samoa’s prime minister and the five other ousted members of the ruling FAST Party are reportedly challenging their removal. FAST chairman La’auli Leuatea Schmidt on Wednesday announced the removal of the prime minister and five Cabinet ministers from the ruling party. Twenty party members signed for the removal of Fiame…

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Samoa- whooping cough on the rise

Tusi Tala Whooping cough cases continue to be reported in Samoa, with a total of 321 cases documented from September to January 5. The Ministry of Health has confirmed 17 of these cases, noting that four involved individuals with incomplete vaccinations. “The vaccination status for the other confirmed cases is being investigated,” stated the Ministry….

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PM terminates Samoa MP at centre of police charges

by Martin Haffner Associate Editor Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa has terminated Laauli Leuatea Schmidt as Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries. Laauli, Chairman of the country’s ruling FAST party, also faces several criminal charges. A government statement said this matter arose following the formal announcement of allegations implicating the minister. It cited an incident…

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Samoan deputies sworn in this week

Tusi Tala, Staff Writer This week, a significant event took place in Samoa as three new members of the Council of Deputies were inaugurated at the Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi Convention Centre. This ceremony marks an important step in Samoa’s governance, reinforcing the roles of these influential leaders within the country’s political framework. The…

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Firearms problems in Samoa

by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer In Samoa, two men from the village of Afega are in custody and facing charges after police seized 10 illegal power rifles and a significant amount of cash during two separate raids on Christmas Eve. Hugo Fata and Fata Voi Selafi, both from Afega, are the individuals involved in the…

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