Samoa has reinforced its border security through new biosecurity technology at Faleolo International Airport and a separate drug interception operation at Matautu Wharf, reflecting a coordinated national effort to protect the country from both environmental and criminal threats.
The Pacific nation's Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries officially launched a dual-view X-ray machine, new Biosecurity Samoa uniforms, and vehicle branding to enhance the nation's capacity to detect invasive pests and diseases.
Associate Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, Aiolupotea Tony Aiolupo, said the upgrades marked a major step in safeguarding Samoa's agriculture, health, and economy.
"Biosecurity is our first line of defence against invasive pests and diseases," he said.
"When harmful organisms enter our borders, the consequences can be far-reaching, threatening our crops, livestock, biodiversity, and even our people's wellbeing."
Mr Aiolupo said the new dual-view X-ray machine, located at Samoa's busiest entry point, would significantly improve detection accuracy and screening efficiency.
"Its advanced imaging allows for quicker, more accurate detection of risk goods, improving both efficiency and passenger experience," he said.
The equipment, funded under the Global Environment Facility's GEF-7 Samoa Project, was implemented through the United Nations Development Programme and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.
Mr Aiolupo acknowledged their role, describing the investment as a shared commitment to protecting Samoa and the wider Pacific from the threat of invasive species.
He also recognised the cooperation between the Samoa Airport Authority, Samoa Customs Service, and other border agencies, noting that strong interagency partnerships were essential for effective border control.
The new Biosecurity Samoa uniform was introduced to promote professionalism and visibility among officers, while the branded vehicles aim to increase public awareness of prohibited imports and pest risks.
"The vehicle branding and awareness messages will support public education on regulated pests, prohibited goods, and ongoing measures to protect industries such as Samoa's honey sector," Mr Aiolupo said.
He added that the initiatives align with the government's broader priorities under the Pathway for the Development of Samoa and the Agriculture Sector Plan, ensuring a safer and more resilient future.
"These tools will strengthen your ability to protect Samoa at our borders and ensure our continued success in safeguarding the nation from pests and diseases," he said.
While biosecurity measures are being strengthened at the airport, enforcement at sea borders also continues to tighten.
On the same day as the airport launch, the Ministry of Customs and Revenue announced a successful operation intercepting 99 grams of methamphetamine concealed inside a can of milk powder at Matautu Wharf.
Customs Border Officers discovered the drugs, worth an estimated $100,000 tala, during a routine inspection of consignments arriving from American Samoa.
The concealment method highlighted the ongoing attempts by criminal networks to smuggle drugs through ordinary goods.
The swift actions of Customs officers led to the immediate seizure of the illicit substances.
A 38-year-old man from Lalovaea, Samusu Aleipata, Fogatuli and Magiagi, along with a Filipino woman linked to the shipment, were referred to the Samoa Police, Prison and Corrections Service.
The pair have been charged with offences including possession of narcotics and importation of prohibited goods.
The Ministry of Customs and Revenue said the operation reflected ongoing cooperation between Customs and Police under the 'Say No to Illicit Drugs' campaign.
Chief Executive Officer Fonoti Talaitupu Li'a-Taefu praised the professionalism and vigilance of officers involved in the interception and reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to strengthening enforcement.
"Customs continues to strengthen its enforcement strategies through advanced inspection technologies, enhanced intelligence-sharing, targeted profiling, and strong cooperation with both domestic and international law enforcement partners," she said.
Ms Li'a-Taefu said drug smuggling posed a major threat to Samoa's communities and that collective action was crucial to maintaining public safety.
"Samoa must stand together to eradicate illicit drugs from our community and hold criminals accountable," she said.
"The cowardice actions of a small number of Samoan criminals involved in the illegal trade of drugs for their own benefits has a huge negative impact to the overall peacefulness of Samoa."
