Police launch manhunt for 3 linked to Salelavalu marijuana raid and shooting
Wanted
Police have launched a manhunt for these three suspects linked to the Salelavalu marijuana raid and shooting: Manuia Lafaele of Salelavalu; Masina Lega Taulelei of Salelavalu and Salailua and Apisaloma Setu of Salelavalu and Satupaitea.
Photos: Samoa Police
The police are on the hunt for three men who are linked to the marijuana raid and shooting in Salelavalu where two police officers were wounded on Saturday, 1 October, 2022.
The three suspects are: Manuia Lafaele (also known as Tanuvasa or Manu Lafaele) of Salelavalu; Masina Lega Taulelei (also known as Ti’ata Masina Lega Taulelei of Salelavalu and Salailua); and Apisaloma Setu (also known as Sula Setu) of Salelavalu and Satupaitea.
The police “appeal to the public for any information that may lead to the arrest of these individuals.”
“They are wanted as a result of the incident at Salelavalu,” reads a Facebook statement published on Sunday by the Samoa Police, Prisons and Corrections Services.
On Saturday, police at the Tuasivi Substation in Savai’i responded to a call about a marijuana plantation in Salelavalu.
Two officers were injured when a shooter allegedly took aim at them with a 12-gauge shotgun.
Fortunately the officers received minor injuries during the incident.
They were taken to the Tuasivi Hospital and were released after they were treated for their wounds.
“Police at Tuasivi, Savai’i responded to a call from Salelavalu village reporting a marijuana plantation by some members of the village,” the statement said.
Marijuana 1 and 2
Marijuana plants confiscated from Salelavalu on Saturday, 1 October, 2022.
Photos: Samoa Police
“During police response, two officers were injured when they were shot at by one of the suspects with a 12 gauge shot gun. Both officers were taken to Tuasivi hospital for treatment and have been discharged.”
Police photos show several large, medium and small marijuana plants that were confiscated from Salelavalu during Saturday’s raid.
Villagers of Salelavalu are assisting police in the manhunt for the alleged shooter and two additional suspects.
All three suspects are from Salelavalu.
“Salelavalu village is currently assisting police in locating those who were involved in this incident including the suspect who discharged the firearm,” reads the police statement.
“All suspects are yet to be apprehended and are all from the village of Salelavalu.”
Police have appealed to members of the public for any information that may lead to their arrest.
Further, the public is reminded that marijuana is still an illicit drug in Samoa,
Police acknowledge and thank members of the public who are reporting illicit drug activities in the community as they work in tangent with the people for a safe Samoa.
Questions sent in an email to the Police Commissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo on Monday did not receive a reply.
Members of the public who have any information on the three suspects are asked to call the police immediately at the following numbers: 22222, 53516 or 53516.