Federal, territorial and local community leaders have met to find ways to combat what they call the scourge of drugs that is impacting American Samoa.
Drugs on a black surface. Photo: 123RF
The U.S. Coast Guard Commander, Rear Admiral Vincent Atkins has brought a delegation, including personnel from the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, US Customs and Border Control.
Their visit is in response to a request made by Governor Lolo Moliga to help his government combat a growing drug problem.
Lolo said it is the most number of federal law enforcement agencies in the territory at any one time.
Rear Admiral Atkins said he recognises the urgency of addressing a drug issue that has affected the entire nation.
"It is just eroding the tight knit communities across the nation," he said.
"About 50,000 Americans die every year from related drug overdoes and it is unfortunate that American Samoa is not immune to the scourge of drug trafficking, to human trafficking, and all the ills that come along with that."
Lolo Matalasi Moliga at his State of the Territory address. Photo: RNZI / Monica Miller
The American Samoa governor has told a gathering of top federal officials that the territory needs to act quickly to address a growing drug problem in order to protect the future of the people.
The US Coast Guard commander has brought a delegation, including personnel from the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, US Customs and Border Control.
Their visit is in response to a request made by Governor Lolo Moliga to help his government combat drugs in the territory.
Lolo said his biggest concern is the impact on young people.
"Drugs is school campuses. Students are now involved in drugs and we know for a fact that our generation today and our generations tomorrow is the future of our country," he said.
"If we don't act today, there will be no tomorrow."