SUVA, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Samoa's Ministry of Customs and Revenue has seized nearly 2 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden inside a shipment of rice bags in what officials said was the country's third major drug bust this year.
Customs officers uncovered the smuggling operation on Thursday, finding 1,835 grams of methamphetamine concealed within four bags of rice in a consignment from the United States, the Samoa Observer reported.
Authorities have identified a 46-year-old man as the importer, and both the suspect and the drugs have been handed over to the police for further investigation.
Samoa Customs said the operation underscored the importance of vigilance, pro-activeness and intelligence in the fight against transnational crime.
It urged the public to remain alert and report suspicious cross-border activity, adding that Samoa remains firm in protecting its borders and people from the devastating impacts of illicit drugs. ■