An anonymous tip to the U.S. Coast Guard office in American Samoa has prompted a joint operation with local authorities to board and search the MV Sili for allegedly bringing illegal drugs into the main island of Tutuila.
One person has reportedly been detained.
The MV Sili is owned by the American Samoa Government and provides a domestic service.
The vessel was returning from the Manu'a island group when the boarding was carried out over the weekend.
The Coast Guard's Lieutenant Ted Harre says he received an anonymous tip that drugs were allegedly being smuggled on the MV Sili.
He says authorities found some illegal substance, describing the quantity as larger than what be considered for personal use.