30/12/2025
Tala Fou;
The Moataa Village Council says it is taking seriously concerns over the village’s name being tarnished following the arrest of individuals during recent police drug raids.
The village has indicated it will conduct its own investigations to confirm whether those publicly identified by police are in fact residents of Moataa
The Ministry of Police, Prisons and Correction Services released mugshots of 54 suspects in connection with alleged drug-related offences, including possession of methamphetamine, possession of ma*****na, live ammunition, and drug paraphernalia.
However, the Ministry later removed the image of a 15-year-old juvenile. Of the total number of suspects, seven were listed as being from Moataa.
Today, Tala Fou sought official comment from the Alii and Faipule of Moataa regarding the issue. High Chief Tofaeono Iupati Fuatai told Tala Fou that the village does not take the matter lightly.
He said he is not fully aware of all the details but expressed serious concern over the situation.
Tofaeono explained that while the next village fono is scheduled for February next year, given the seriousness of the matter, the village committee will take steps to verify whether those named are genuine residents of Moataa.
Village matai Nua Palala also expressed his disappointment, saying incidents such as this damage the reputation of the village.
He said the village is not aware of some of the individuals identified by police as being from Moataa, and they will conduct their own investigations to confirm the claims.
The Member of Parliament for Vaimauga No. 2, Lenatai Victor Tamapua, who is from Moataa, said the village fully supports the work of the Ministry of Police. He added that Moataa is willing to work alongside police to help eradicate drugs from Samoa.
Lenatai also emphasized that if it is confirmed the individuals are residents of Moataa, they will face the consequences of their actions.
The village has already put in place a strict penalty of 10,000 tala for those found guilty of such illegal activities.
Failure to comply may result in permanent banishment from the village.
The Moataa Village Council also confirmed that if their investigations determine the suspects are not from Moataa, they will formally approach the Ministry of Police to request the removal of the village’s name from those individuals.
The village says this reflects its strong stance in protecting the image and reputation of Moataa.
