Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On December 15, 2025, a controlled delivery operation conducted by local authorities resulted in the arrest of a man accused of importing and possessing large quantities of methamphetamine (meth) and THC, underscoring ongoing efforts to curb the flow of illegal drugs into the territory, according to the affidavit filed in District Court on Dec. 19th.

 The suspect, Mr. Alaivaa Mase, was charged with:

Count 1, 2, & 3: Possession of a Controlled Substance, a crime punishable, for a first offense, by imprisonment for not less than five years and not more than 10 years, a fine not less than $5,000 and not more than $10,000, or both fine and imprisonment;

Count 4, 5, & 6: Possession of Controlled Substances with the Intent to Distribute, a crime punishable, for a first offense, by imprisonment for not less than five years and not more than 20 years, a fine not not more than $20,000, or both; and,

Count 7, 8, & 9: Importation of Contraband, a class D felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than five years or a fine not exceeding $5,000, or both.

The defendant was held without bail.

According to the court affidavit, the case began on the afternoon of Dec. 15,

2025, when Customs officials intercepted two suspicious parcels from an off-island cargo shipment upon arrival in American Samoa. The parcels, both shipped through FedEx delivery services, raised immediate concern during routine inspection procedures due to inconsistencies in their contents and packaging.

According to investigative findings, the two parcels were addressed to the same individual, a Mr. D. Mose, and listed a post office box in American Samoa as their destination.

Upon further examination, Customs officials discovered that one parcel contained two vacuum-sealed packages of suspected meth weighing approximately 4.2 ounces and 16.4 ounces, inclusive of packaging. The second parcel was found to contain a vacuum-sealed package of suspected meth weighing approximately 16.1 ounces, along with twelve vape cartridges filled with suspected THC oil intended for use in electronic vape pens.

(THC is the active ingredient found in marijuana.)

Initial field testing conducted by Customs confirmed the suspected presence of meth and THC. Based on those results, the parcels were seized and referred for further investigation.

Authorities then coordinated with the local shipping company, Cargo Services Logistics (CSL), responsible for importing and distributing the cargo to develop a controlled delivery plan aimed at identifying the intended recipient.

Investigators maintained custody of the parcels while monitoring communications related to their retrieval. On Dec. 18, 2025, the individual, later identified as Alaivaa D. Mase, listed as the recipient, contacted CSL to inquire about the shipment and arrange for pickup.

During that conversation, the individual confirmed he would collect the parcels the following morning between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. at the company’s distribution facility in Tafuna.

On Dec.19, 2025, Mr. Mase arrived at the distribution center as scheduled and took possession of both parcels. Authorities allowed him to exit the facility with the boxes in order to confirm possession before intervening.

He was apprehended shortly after leaving the premises and before he was able to enter his vehicle.

Following the arrest, investigators conducted a post-arrest interview with the suspect.

During questioning, Mase denied responsibility for the meth but acknowledged that he was aware of the contents of the parcels. He stated that the boxes contained CDs and DVDs, as described on the shipping labels. He also requested the return of the THC vape cartridges, claiming they were his property and asserting that they were legal.

Authorities subsequently conducted additional field tests on all seized substances to confirm their contents. The testing was performed using unexpired reagent kits that had been properly stored in a temperature-controlled environment.

The suspected meth from all three vacuum-sealed packages tested positive.

A Duquenois-Levine reagent test performed on one of the vape cartridges yielded a positive result for THC.

During the arrest, authorities found approximately $9,500 in cash in Mase’s possession. Based on the quantity of cash seized, the amount of meth recovered, and the manner in which the substances were packaged, investigators determined that the drugs were not intended for personal use.

Authorities believe the cash represents proceeds from illegal drug distribution activities, and further concluded that the volume and packaging of the meth were consistent with distribution rather than personal consumption.

Because the parcels originated outside of American Samoa and were transported into the territory, the case also involves allegations of unlawful importation of controlled substances.

Authorities stated that the operation highlights the effectiveness of coordinated efforts between Customs, shipping companies, and law enforcement agencies in identifying and intercepting illegal narcotics before they can reach the community.

The investigation remains ongoing as officials continue to examine possible connections to broader drug trafficking activity.

[Editor’s Note: An affidavit is a written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation for use as evidence in court. It is not a court decision. Under local law, defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty by the court. ra]