The Ministry of Police and Prisons are appealing to residents of Savaii for information on the whereabouts of suspects that shot at police on Saturday injuring two Police Officers.
This is in relation to a drug raid in Salelavalu over the weekend.
The suspects are Manuia Lafaele also known as Manuia Tanuvasa or Manu Lafaele from Salelavalu; Masina Lega Taulelei also known as Ti’ata of Salelavalu and Salailua; Apisoloma Setu also known as Sula Setu of Salelavalu and Satupaitea.
Police Commissioner Auapa’au Logoitino Filipo confirmed the Police responded to a call from Salelavalu village reporting marijuana plantations in the village.
Police confiscated 35 marijuana plants, but when they approached the second plantation that’s when the Police were shot at.
Auapa’au said two officers sustained minor injuries, they were treated at the Tuasivi hospital and were discharged on the same day.
A statement issued by the Police indicated the officers were shot by one of the suspects with a 12 gauge shotgun.
“Salelavalu village is currently assisting police in locating those who were involved in this incident including the suspect who discharged the firearm.
“All suspects are yet to be apprehended and are all from the village of Salelavalu. “Marijuana is still an illicit drug in Samoa.”
The Police acknowledge members of the public who are reporting illicit activities in our community.”
Auapaau told Radio Polynesia there was no need for Police Officers from the headquarters in Apia to respond, as officers in Savaii can “handle” Police work on the big island.
Adding if the officers had responded while being “armed” it would have been deadly but he believes this matter can be resolved amicably by consulting with the Village Council of Salelavalu for their assistance.
