American Samoa's Department of Public Safety is reported to be tracking the whereabouts of a former police officer Steve Tuatoo and has reached out to Samoa for assistance in locating him.
The Samoa Police crest. Photo: RNZI/Koroi Hawkins
Mr Tuatoo was arrested in last Thursday's drug raids but an arrest warrant was not ready by the expiration of the 48 hour limit for a suspect to be held without being charged.
It's believed that he was let out Saturday and sometime over the weekend he left the island.
Acting Commissioner Falana'ipupu Sagapolutele hadn't responded to KHJ News but has told a freelance journalist from Samoa that Mr Tuatoo was likely to have left the island.
Falana'ipupu said they were still trying to find the actual whereabouts of the ex-officer but could not give any other information.
Samoa Police Commissioner Fuiavailili Egon Keil said he was not aware of the case.