Representatives from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) visited Samoa last month and met with senior leaders of the Samoan criminal justice system, including the Minister of Police and Prisons, the Police Commissioner, the Attorney General, the Assistant CEO of the Ministry of Justice, the CEO of Customs and Revenue, the Pacific Transnational Crime Coordination Centre, and members of the Embassy Apia team.
The INL delegation identified areas of cooperation and assistance with partners on the frontlines of advancing Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa’s civilian security priorities.
INL assists the Government of Samoa in strengthening the criminal justice system through practical skills training for officials such as law enforcement officers, border authorities, and the judiciary.
INL efforts also focus on improving local capacity to fight transnational crime, including human trafficking, cybercrime, maritime crime, and illegal narcotics; to prepare law enforcement for UN police peacekeeping operations; and to strengthen a justice system that meets international standards, enhances regional stability and security, and helps support the Samoa Vision 2040 and the Boe Declaration on Regional Security.
The United States and Samoa continue to deepen their partnership through countering international crime and bolstering security.
