Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On September 8, 2026, four individuals were arrested following a coordinated law enforcement operation in Fagatogo.

The operation involved the American Samoa Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the American Samoa Department of Public Safety (DPS), and the Office of the Attorney General Investigative Team. 

Samoa News had recently reported in August of this year that in a recent DHS 3rd Quarter Performance report, the number of drug cases under the Office of Territorial and International Criminal Intelligence and Drug Enforcement (OTICIDE) division appeared unchanged from last year, according to Representative Fagaima Larry Sanitoa, Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee.

Fagaima noted to DHS director Vaetagaloa Glenn Lefiti in an email that the committee’s concern is that “as the statutory and primary investigative agency targeting illegal drug trafficking within the Homeland Security Department, OTICIDE received statutory authority with limited arrest powers early last year to combat drug crimes and human trafficking.”

He pointed out that “given the number of cases in your report compared to those from the Department of Public Safety, the committee needs to understand the measures your department has implemented and their subsequent results.”

COORDINATED DRUG BUST

The four suspects were charged as follows:

Jason Te’i:
Count 1: Possession of a Controlled Substance, a felony punishable, for a first offense, by a term of imprisonment of not less than five years and not more than 10 years, a fine not less than $5,000 and not more than $20,000, or both imprisonment and fine.
Upuese Ioane and Galen Leasiolagi:
Count 1: Possession of a Controlled Substance, a felony punishable, for a first offense, by a term of imprisonment of not less than five years and not more than 10 years, a fine not less than $5,000 and not more than $20,000, or both; and,
Count 2 : Possession of a Controlled Substance with the Intent to Distribute, a crime punishable, for a first offense, by a term of imprisonment of not less than five years and not more than 10 years, a fine not less than $5,000 and not more than $20,000.00, or both.

V.A Dole:
Count 1 & 2: Possession of a Controlled Substance, a felony punishable, for a first offense, by a term of imprisonment of not less than five years and not more than 10 years, a fine not less than $5,000 and not more than $20,000, or both; and,
Count 3 : Possession of a Controlled Substance with the Intent to Distribute, a crime punishable, for a first offense, by a term of imprisonment of not less than five years and not more than 10 years, a fine not less than $5,000 and not more than $20,000, or both.

All four suspects were held without bail. 

According to court affidavits for the four defendants, law enforcement officers simultaneously executed a search warrant at approximately 6:30 a.m. The warrant, issued by the District Court of American Samoa, authorized the search for evidence relating to controlled substances at several structures located near one another in Fagatogo.

The operation involved multiple law enforcement personnel who were divided into three separate teams. Each team was assigned to search one of the structures identified in the search warrant.

The investigation resulted in the seizure of suspected methamphetamine (meth), marijuana, drug paraphernalia, packaging materials, electronic devices, and cash, according to the affidavit.

SEARCH AT FALANIKO RESIDENCE

One of the teams was assigned to execute the search warrant at the residence of Moe Falaniko.

During the search, police officers located several empty, cut-up straws containing residue of a crystalline substance believed to be meth inside one of the bedrooms.

Multiple ‘simoi’ baggies containing residue of a crystalline substance appearing to be meth were also reportedly discovered inside the room. Investigators additionally located a cut-up straw that appeared to have been used as a scoop. The materials were found between two bed mattresses.

Investigators reportedly determined that the bedroom was occupied at the time by Ioane Upuese, who was identified as the only person inside the residence when officers executed the search warrant.

When questioned about the items discovered inside the bedroom, Ioane allegedly stated that the items were simply lying there and that he did not use them. 

The affidavit also noted that investigators observed several valuable items inside the bedroom, including jewelry and electronic devices. The investigator stated that these items could possibly have been used to barter for meth or other controlled substances in previous transactions.

Mr. Upuese was detained and later escorted to police headquarters for further investigation.

SEARCH OF BLUE TWO-STORY HOUSE

A second team of officers was assigned to search a blue, two-story house located not far from Falaniko's residence. The structure reportedly appeared to be abandoned. Six individuals were discovered inside the structure, including Jason Te’i.

Te'i was allegedly found in possession of a glass pipe and a cut-up straw, both containing a small amount of a crystalline substance that appeared to be meth.

According to investigators, the items were located inside a small bag that Te’i had on his person. Te’i reportedly admitted that the items belonged to him.

Additional items seized from the blue house allegedly included multiple glass pipes, simoi baggies containing residue of a crystalline substance, and cellphones.

During questioning at the scene, Te’i informed investigators that he had purchased the substance that appeared to be meth from V.A. Dole at a nearby shack.

Te’i was then escorted to the police station pending further processing.

INVESTIGATION AT LEASIOLAGI PROPERTY

The third law enforcement team was assigned to search property belonging to Galen Leasiolagi. The property included both a residence and a small shack located nearby. The third team reportedly divided into two sub-teams to conduct separate searches of the residence and shack. 

Investigators discovered three male individuals inside the structure/ shack and detained them for further investigation. 

During the search, several empty, cut-up straws were allegedly found scattered throughout the interior of the shack. 

Investigators also discovered a black bag positioned next to V.A Dole, one of the males found in the shack. Mr. Dole allegedly admitted that the bag belonged to him.

Inside the bag, investigators reportedly found a small clear container holding thirteen (13) cut-up straws filled and packaged with a crystalline substance appearing to be meth.

The affidavit further stated that investigators found a simoi baggie containing four and one-half hand-rolled marijuana cigarettes inside the same bag.

Also allegedly recovered from the bag were multiple smoking pipes containing residue of a crystalline substance believed to be meth, several empty simoi bags, a cellphone, and US $140.

Dole was escorted to police headquarters for questioning and further investigation.

SEARCH OF LEASIOLAGI RESIDENCE

According to the affidavit, investigators conducting the search of Leasiolagi's residence discovered numerous cut-up straws packaged with a crystalline substance inside them that later field-tested positive for meth.

Other items allegedly discovered inside the residence included a blue torch, a digital scale, scissors with burnt tips, and additional items that investigators believed may have been used in the packaging and preparation of meth or other controlled substances for distribution. 

Investigators also reportedly found a simoi bag and a cut-up straw on Galen Leasiolagi's person. Leasiolagi was detained and later escorted to the police station for questioning.

EVIDENCE SEIZED AND FIELD TESTING

The affidavit stated that all suspected controlled substances and other relevant items discovered during the searches were seized by law enforcement.

The evidence was documented and photographed before being turned over to the DPS evidence custodian at the Fagatogo station.

The suspected controlled substances — meth and marijuana — recovered from the various locations were subsequently tested at the Fagatogo station using a field test kit administered by a DPS Commander.

CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND STATEMENTS

Following the searches, the four individuals were Mirandized at different times throughout the morning.

Suspects Ioane, Dole and Leasiolagi acknowledged they understood their rights but declined to provide any statement. They were later booked and confined at the Tafuna Correctional Facility (TCF) to await their appearance at the District Court.

Jason Te’i was also Mirandized and acknowledged he understood his rights. He agreed to provide a voluntary verbal statement. 

During his interview, Te’i admitted that the items found in his possession belonged to him and were intended for personal use. Te’i also reportedly told in

However, Te’i declined to provide a written statement.

He was then booked and confined at the TCF pending his court appearance.

The affidavits were filed in the District Court on Sept. 10, 2026.

As with all criminal cases, the allegations outlined in court filings remain accusations at this stage, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

[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.]