L&L Platform

Introduction and Overview

The Comprehensive Substance Abuse Council (CSAC) initiative was established to focus on three sub-areas: (1) Prevention & Awareness, (2) Enforcement (3) Treatment & Rehabilitation. Quarterly meetings are held to provide feedback and lessons learned in these areas to strategize on combating the concern that methamphetamine has recently supplanted marijuana as the most serious drug threat in American Samoa. Local enforcement authorities point to the increase in methamphetamine abuse as the cause of the rise in violent crimes in the territory.   Powdered methamphetamine use in the territory is limited.  Most users prefer to smoke the extremely pure (90% to 100%) crystal form known as “ice” and recent reports indicated no methamphetamine laboratories are present on the islands.

Illegal drug use and substance abuse have a significant impact on those who are addicted, their families, and the people of American Samoa.   Our Territorial strategy to respond to substance abuse must be based on evidence and take into consideration the culture of American Samoa and the communities that live in the Territory.  The government action requires the participation of senior government leaders and frontline staff who directly interact with those impacted by substance abuse.

Substance Abuse is a complex problem that requires flexibility and openness to new ideas.  A new approach to solving substance abuse problems will be achieved through efforts coordinating education (prevention), enforcement, and treatment (rehabilitation), which we continue to refine the plan and update our strategy. 

Governor’s Drug Control Office

Comprehensive Substance Abuse Council (CSAC)

The establishment of the CSAC initiative, along with the assistance of the Governor’s Drug Control Office, has created three subcommittees that continue to work with the communities to minimize drug problems in the territory.   

The CSAC established three subcommittees co-chaired by some of the most experienced members of the Governor’s cabinet:

Prevention & Awareness 

Co-chaired by the Director of Youth & Women Affairs (DWYA) and the Deputy Director of Office of the Samoan Affairs. Conducted school and community outreach programs to help get the anti-drug message out to schools, faith-based organizations, and the different types of communities in the territory.  The Prevention & Awareness subcommittee conducted close to 40 engagements with elementary and high schools and various community organizations in 2023, including the Manu’a islands.   

Billboards are posted along well-traveled areas in Fagatogo and Nuuuli to promote the dangerous and negative impacts of illegal drugs in the community. 

Enforcement

Co-Chaired by the Director of Homeland Security & The Attorney General, which focuses on enforcing laws, maintaining public order, and managing public safety. The DPS, Vice & Narcotics Division, along with the Customs Division of the Department of Treasury, are working on combating illegal drugs that are coming into the territory.   The Enforcement sub-committee focuses on seaports, airports, and the Post Office confiscating any illicit drugs coming into the territory.  There were more than 56 illegal drug bust cases that the enforcement initiative has in 2023 alone. 

Treatment & Rehabilitation 

Chaired by the Department of Health with the assistance of other ASG Departments and Non-Profit Organizations.  This sub-committee focuses on caring for and assisting people to get back, keep, or improve abilities that they need for daily life.   These abilities may be physical, mental, and or cognitive thinking and learning.  Additionally, the Treatment & Rehabilitation area emphasizes the importance of mental health and getting help for individuals going through rehabilitation. Some community-based organizations also offer treatment for patients who need help. 

The Governor Drug Control Office now has a new office building at the Moso’oi Business Center in Ottoville in Tafuna, with the assistance of the Comprehensive Substance Abuse Council (CSAC).  

Challenges

There is a lack of funding for initiatives to fight drug problems in the territory. Having the expertise as a statistician to analyze data, share information, and collect and interpret important information in the simplest terms is crucial.   

The community outreach program requires traveling all over the island, from the western, central, and eastern parts. One challenge is that we used our personal vehicles because the program doesn’t have a government vehicle. 

There is no long-term treatment facility in the territory for drug users; instead of sending them to jail, some of them are in and out of jail multiple times. 

The Marine Patrol Division under the Department of Search & Rescue has no or limited capabilities for enforcing criminal activity at sea, so American Samoa’s borders are vulnerable to criminal activity. Law enforcement authorities suspect that drugs come from the United States and other neighboring islands such as Fiji, Samoa, and New Zealand.  

What challenges lie ahead and how can they be overcome?

The CSAC and the Governor’s Drug Control Office must continue applying for funding or grant opportunities to assist with their initiative. Non-profit, non-governmental, and faith-based organizations are great partners with the government in helping fight drug problems in the territory. 

Where do the greatest opportunities lie, and how can they be realized?

Our Goals

Building a Framework: Develop a robust governance framework to coordinate agency silos, with a charge to improve communication among stakeholders and align missions with the CSAC and legislation.

Data Cooperation: Ensure relevant agencies share information with one another using digital tools and technology to inform data-driven decision-making and policy recommendations and promote education and awareness campaigns to reach diverse audiences.

Ongoing Funding Focus: Conduct a review of available funding streams to better utilize existing funding and identify your department/agency priority goals

Conclusions

Tangible Outcomes Short Term (YEAR 1)

• The Comprehensive Substance Abuse Council (CSAC) continues to meet quarterly to provide updates and guidance on initiatives of all relevant stakeholders (public, private, faith-based, village councils).

• Evaluate the value of consolidating addiction services in a single, independent government department.

• Start constructing the new Substance Abuse Treatment Facility at the Tafuna Industrial Park.

• Revisit and update existing plans into a Comprehensive, Actionable, Territory-wide Strategic Plan,

Medium Term (YEAR 2 - 3)

• Re-evaluate the existing Territorial Strategy Plan based on threat level and priorities.

• Culturally relevant Training, Workshops, and Outreach on Territory-wide Strategic Plan.

Long Term (YEAR 3 - 4)

• Comprehensive Annual Assessment Report for American Samoa.

• Planning of a Territory-wide initiative to minimize drug users & substance abuse by 20% from the previous year.  

• Eliminate suspected places that harvest or supports illegal drug activities in the territory.

Governor’s Drug Control Office

Outreach

In FY 2022, the Governor’s Drug Control Office conducted 23 workshops for schools, government agencies, village youth groups, faith-based organizations, and summer youth programs. A total of 890 participants from ages 8 to 69 participated in all outreach programs. About 99% of the participants gained knowledge from the workshops.

Survey

390 participants were surveyed during the FY 2022 about drugs in the community. 53% were female and 45% male. The age ranges from 13 or older. 52% of participants said drugs are easily available, while 48% said no. According to the survey, drug use on the island is 40% alcohol, 16% meth, 33% marijuana, and 10% cocaine.

Reports

Compiled and analyzed the American Samoa Drug Assessment Report to the National level. The Report highlights the critical and severe drug problem that extends beyond marijuana. American Samoa is no longer "isolated" from global drug concerns, as seen by its introduction of methamphetamine in 1999 and its confiscation of cocaine in recent years.

Smugglers and drug dealers took advantage of the territory's secluded position. Methamphetamine, marijuana, and cocaine are the three substances of concern in American Samoa and are the only three available data. It is a challenge to situate a number on the drug menace in American Samoa. Since 2010, the territory has been collecting or storing data on drugs. Methamphetamine has recently supplanted marijuana as the most serious drug threat in American Samoa. Local law enforcement authorities point to rising methamphetamine abuse as the cause for a rise in violent crime in the territory.

Powdered methamphetamine use in the territory is limited. Most users prefer to smoke the extremely pure (90 to 100%) crystal form known as "ice," and recent reports indicated no methamphetamine laboratories are present on the islands. Drug trafficking organizations and criminal groups often use the mail and cargo vessels to smuggle drugs to American Samoa. The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) delivers mail in American Samoa. The USPS in Honolulu screens all packages bound for American Samoa from Hawaii before handlers load the packages onto the aircraft. Drug trafficking organizations also use cargo vessels to smuggle marijuana from Samoa to American Samoa. The Government of American Samoa is responsible for its customs and immigration enforcement.

National Governors Association

The National Governors Association Policy Academy American Samoa was selected by the National Governors Association (NGA) to participate in a year-long policy academy focused on improving state and territorial strategies to address poly-substance and stimulant abuse.  The American Samoa Policy Academy team comprised the Office of the Governor, Attorney General’s Office, Department of Education, Department of Human & Social Services, Department of Health, LBJ, Territorial Medicaid’s Office, Criminal Justice Planning, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Public Safety (CID & Vice & Narcotics Divisions).

In the past year, September 2021, the local National Governors Association Policy Academy (NGAPA), led by the Office of the Governor, has met with national experts, participated in webinars, and received technical assistance to develop an action plan focused on improving collaboration between departments, data sharing, and leveraging funding opportunities within the Federal government and our Territorial government. The American Samoa Policy Academy Team is now assisting in developing and planning the Territorial Strategy for combating drug issues in the territory.

Comprehensive Substance Abuse Council

The establishment of the Comprehensive Substance Abuse Council (CSAC) to combat illegal drug use and substance abuse has a significant impact on those who are addicted, their families, and the Territory of American Samoa.  Our strategy to responds to substance abuse must be based on evidence and take into consideration the culture of American Samoa and the communities that live in the Territory.  The government action requires the participation of senior government leaders and frontline staff who directly interact with those impacted by substance abuse.

The CSAC, led by Lieutenant Governor Talauega Eleasalo Ale, chairs the new Council, whose membership includes 18 cabinet directors and senior government officials and three-at-large members who are appointed by the Governor for a term of one year and may include representatives of private business, non-profit organizations, faith-based groups or consumers.

The Council has now established three subcommittees, with each has two co-chairs.  The first sub-committee is the Prevention (outreach) co-chaired by Dr. Salote Aoelua-Fanene, Director of Youth & Women Affairs, with Deputy Director Tauese V. Sunia of the Office of the Samoa Affairs.  The second subcommittee is the Enforcement, which is co-chaired by the Attorney General of American Samoa, Fainu’ulelei Falefatu Alailima Utu, and the Director of the local Homeland Security Office, Samana S. Ve’ave’a.  The last subcommittee is the Treatment & Rehabilitation Co-Chairs by Lupe Sunia-Fiso of the Department of Human & Social Services (DHSS) with Dr. Saipale Fuimaono from the Department of Health.  These sub-committees meet separately, focusing on their areas of expertise.  The council meets quarterly to discuss any updates on the program.

Challenges

The lack of funding to support ongoing Administration initiatives on fighting drug problems on the island. Not having adequate staff is one of our shortfalls in this program.  Our office has a two-man team managing the program. There is a lot of data information sharing, collecting, and analyzing information, but sometimes it doesn’t have the expertise as a statistician to analyze important information.  The CSAC needs to establish a staff group of four to collect and analyze data received from the three subcommittees and share it as needed. The staff group of four are gatekeepers or the custodians who safeguard this sensitive information.

The community outreach program requires traveling all over the island from the western, central, and eastern parts. One challenge is that the staff uses their personal vehicles because the program doesn’t have a government vehicle.

Opportunities

The National Governors Association (NGA) offers grant opportunities, so it’s good news for the CSAC to apply for these grants. Non-profit and Non-Governmental Faith-Based Organizations are great partners with the government in helping fight drug problems in the territory.

Closing Statement

Since its inception, the Comprehensive Substance Abuse Council (CSAC) initiative has made significant strides in addressing the multifaceted issue of substance abuse in American Samoa. By focusing on Prevention & Awareness, Enforcement, and Treatment & Rehabilitation, the CSAC, alongside the Governor’s Drug Control Office, has implemented a coordinated and strategic approach to combat the rise of methamphetamine and other illicit drugs. The active involvement of senior government leaders, local enforcement authorities, and community organizations has been crucial in promoting education, enforcing laws, and providing necessary treatment and rehabilitation services.

Despite challenges such as limited funding, inadequate staff, and the absence of long-term treatment facilities, the CSAC has remained committed to its mission. Opportunities for additional funding and partnerships with non-profit and faith-based organizations offer promising avenues to bolster these efforts.

The Lemanu & La'apui’s comprehensive strategy, supported by sound governance, data cooperation, and targeted funding, aims to create a safer, healthier, and more resilient community. Continued dedication to these initiatives will ensure that the fight against substance abuse remains a top priority, ultimately improving the quality of life for all residents of American Samoa.