Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Faletolu Ilaoa was a passenger in a pick-up truck that was pulled over by police on the early morning of June 20, 2022, in Malaeimi for traffic violations, and two glass pipes containing white crystalline substance were found in his pants pocket.

Ilaoa during the traffic stop tried to flee from officers by leaving the vehicle despite being told to stay inside it. He was apprehended near the scene.

A body search was conducted on Ilaoa where officers discovered two glass pipes containing white crystalline substance inside. The white crystalline substance was tested and was positive for meth.

Ilaoa told officers he got the two glass pipes containing meth from his friend for $50, and the reason he smoked meth is to give him strength while performing his work at his plantation.

Ilaoa is charged with one count of unlawful possession of meth, a felony, punishable by term of imprisonment from 5 to 10 years, a fine not more than $20,000, or both.

Bail was set at $5,000.