Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On October 16, 2024, a male individual was apprehended after being served a bench warrant. Contraband was allegedly discovered during the search.

The suspect was later confined and charged with Count 1: Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine), a felony punishable by a fine of not less than $5,000, and not more than $20,000, a term of imprisonment of not less than five years, nor more than 20 years, or both.

The defendant’s bail was set at $5,000.

According to the affidavit, on October 16th, at about 8:20 p.m., the Vice & Narcotics Unit was dispatched to a call at the Fagatogo District Court involving alleged contraband. Upon arrival at the scene, the officers met with the Court Marshal who provided a brief summary of the reported matter.

According to the Court Marshal, the defendant Gafa Fanene was served with a bench warrant at a taxi stand. The defendant was apprehended and brought into court for further processing.

However, upon conducting an inventory of his properties, Court Marshals allegedly discovered a clear pipe wrapped in a white napkin containing a residue of crystalline substance. The evidence discovered was transferred over to the Vice & Narcotics Unit.

Upon arrival at the station, evidence discovered was given to the police captain for testing purposes using the Methamphetamine Field Test Kit. The evidence was tested inside the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) and yielded a positive result for methamphetamine (meth).

According to the Court Marshal, the defendant was confined at court and made his initial appearance on the same date mentioned as ordered by the Judge.

The evidence discovered was documented and submitted to the evidence room.

The defendant is identified as a 58-year-old citizen of Samoa.