Pacific / Samoa

Escaped prisoner in Samoa recaptured

15:32 pm on 7 February 2020

An escaped prisoner in Samoa has been recaptured after nine months on the run.

Photo: RNZI/ Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia

The Samoa Observer reports the man, Suitupe Fa'amoe Paufai, 59, was handed over by his family.

Paufai, who had been imprisoned for murder and possession of narcotics, ran away from a prison work gang in May last year.

Paufai was last seen evading authorities when they busted the country's largest-ever cannabis plantation in November.

Samoa police said he was captured by the Samoa Prisons and Correction Services (SPCS) in the early hours of yesterday morning.

Police acknowledged the support of the SPCS and the public for the information that led to his apprehension.