The Commissioner of Public Safety in American Samoa Le'i Sonny Thompson says the territory needs an alternative to detaining drug addicts.
Le'i told a meeting of US law enforcers and local authorities discussing the territory's drug problem that drug users need rehabilitation.
He said the correctional facility is already full and he made a plea to federal officials for help.
"While we're trying to combat this issue and stop the drug usage we ask you in this forum to help us stop it before it gets here."
The commissioner also echoed concerns about the presence of drugs in schools and spoke about young people being used in the drug trade.
"I just heard yesterday that some of the younger people here are working for those who sell or bring these drugs in just because they don't have jobs."
The Commissioner of Public Safety in American Samoa Le'i Sonny Thompson (c) Photo: RNZI/Monica Miller