Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On July 19, 2025, a traffic stop resulted in the arrest of two individuals who were later charged with Count 1: Prohibited Place of Consumption, a class B misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of $500.00, or both imprisonment and fine.

The defendants were held without bail.

Court records revealed that on July 19th, at about 4:00 a.m, while authorities were patrolling on the eastbound lane in Utulei, they observed an unknown vehicle swerving towards the westbound lane and back into the east lane several times.

Authorities conducted a traffic stop and approached the driver. The officers saw two passengers inside the vehicle — Malo Asuelu in the front seat and Eli Situa in the backseat.

Police officers detected a strong odor of alcohol from the vehicle and later discovered that the driver was highly intoxicated. Authorities also discovered that both passengers were hiding their open beer bottles between their legs.

The suspects were immediately apprehended and a field sobriety test was conducted on the driver. The driver of the vehicle (later identified as Victoria Talaeai) failed the sobriety test and was transported to the station for further investigation.

Asuelu Malo and Eli Situa were both booked and transported to the Tafuna Correctional Facility to await the next sitting of the District Court.

The affidavits did not provide any additional information regarding the 3rd suspect, Talaeai, who was the driver of the vehicle.