Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that on February 9, 2006 he wrote a letter to Alberto Gonzales, Attorney General of the United States, in Washington, D.C. requesting that the Federal Bureau of Investigation conduct a full investigation of the drug trafficking problem in American Samoa.

 In his letter to Attorney General Gonzales, Faleomavaega explained that, “Over the last two decades, the drug trade in American Samoa has escalated from small-scale marijuana importation, generally through the U.S. Postal Service, into a network that affects not only American Samoa but the vast South Pacific Region.  The drug trafficking network around the island continues to flourish, largely due to poor customs enforcement on incoming cargo.”

 “The rise in drug use has been associated with an increase of suicides and violent crimes.  This scarce disturbance has negatively affected our Samoan culture and social system.  Our youth are especially at high risk.  In fact, some of the most brutal cases in American Samoa’s history have been linked to either the use, possession, or selling of drugs.”
 
 “Drug trafficking in American Samoa has become a severe problem that needs desperate attention.  We lack enforcement and have limited resources to rectify this difficulty.  Therefore, I have requested the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  I am confident that with their expertise and proficiency, they are able to help American Samoa extensively.”
 
 “I am hopeful that Attorney General Gonzales will address this request and I look forward to working closely with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in regards to this matter,” Faleomavaega concluded.