By Staff Writer
What started off as unconfirmed reports circulated on a shipment of guns and ammunition held up for customs clearance stirred public alarm in Apia this week.
Following a stream of frightened public enquiries, the Ministry of Police hastened a response to allay safety worries with an official statement that the shipment was legal.
The statement confirmed a consignment of firearms and ammunition that was granted an entry permit under Section 3 of the 1960 Arms Ordinance for licensed dealers.
The police response, however, did not identify what the guns and ammunitions were.
Yet to be confirmed also are circulated reports that the total shipment weighed 492kilos and was flown in at a cost of just under $3500.
“We cannot comment on that for now because the consignment is still with Customs,” Deputy Commissioner Papali’i Monalisa Keti responded when asked by Newsline Samoa.
The licensed dealer was not identified as well despite reports circulated in public at the time that was later confirmed that it was the Minister of Agriculture Laauli Polataivao Fosi and his family.
The police report helped to restore public calm that was under severe strain by strong denials earlier from a top Customs Officer of any such arms shipment supposedly held up for clearance.
The shipment arrived at Faleolo International Airport from an overseas flight and was reportedly held up at the international cargo section.
The Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mataafa, in a rushed press conference yesterday, announced that the police are directed to undertake a full investigation of the controversial arms shipment.
Fiame’s unplanned meeting followed right after the opposition leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi expressed serious worry at the safety risks behind the weapons at his regular Thursday media conference. (see other story).