American Samoa's governor, Lolo Matalasi Moliga, plans to establish a commission to address the territory's drug problem, which some lawmakers say is spreading like cancer through the school system.
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The secretary of Samoan Affairs, Mauga Tasi Asuega, said the issue had been around for a long time and it involved everyone - individuals, leaders, villages, churches, counties and the entire community.
Mauga said the governor planned to establish the 'Community Domestic Security Commission' to be chaired by the lieutenant governor, Lemanu Peleti Mauga, with members from key government agencies.
During a cabinet meeting last December, Mauga called for the community to unite in the fight against illegal drugs, which he said have infested the territory and are the silent killers in the community.
School principals in Samoa have said they there were problems with students using drugs on the campuses.