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DPW staff busted with drugs in ASG vehicle return to work

Director of Human Resources, Sonny Thompson has instructed Director of Public Works Faleosina Faiai Voigt to have employees who were placed on leave after drugs were found in their possession in a government vehicle during working hours — returned to work.

 

The two men were arrested earlier this month, however Samoa News understands due to legal issues the men could not be criminally charged. The HR Director told Samoa News he’s waiting for the report on the matter to determine the appropriate action.

 

“Being found with drugs is unacceptable behavior especially for ASG employees, however unless the report and a full investigation is conducted, and upon completion forwarded to HR, we cannot do anything for the time being,” he said.

 

The Director made it clear that although the men were not being criminally charged, it does not mean the government will not implement disciplinary action, however the appropriate documents need to be provided to HR prior to taking action.

 

Samoa News understands the ASG vehicle license plate (Public Works) PW 7 was pulled over in Mapusaga and when police searched the men, a baggie was found on one of them which was tested and found to contain methamphetamine, or "ice". The vehicle was subsequently impounded by the Vice and Narcotics Division following the search and arrest of the DPW employees at the time of the incident. The men were incarcerated for 48 hours and released afterwards.

 

This occurred during working hours and the arrests were made close to 4p.m.

 

 Samoa News understands the men arrested are senior employees of DPW, and a full police report on the matter was sent to the Attorney General's office and the Department of Public Works.

 

Numerous calls and emails to the Director of Public Works were not immediately returned on the matter.