The increasing number of drug offenders filling Samoa’s prison is causing the judiciary to call for other forms of penalties outside of prison.
Senior Supreme Court Justice Vui Clarence Nelson raised concerns about the increase in hard drug offending and said that someone has to do something about it.
Samoa Observer reports Justice Vui favors sending offenders to rehabilitation facilities instead of prison.
But there doesn’t seem to be enough rehab centers in the country.
Senior Justice Vui had queried the Attorney General’s Office on its position on treatment for methamphetamine users being mindful that the Salvation Army offers treatment only for those who use marijuana and alcohol.
He added the court can’t keep sending people to prison because it’s not working, and the increase in meth users is not only a problem for the court but is an issue with the AG’s Office and the police.
AG’s Office lawyer, Maiavatele Timothy Fesili agreed there is a drug problem and welcomed the idea of exploring other options and programs for offenders.
Another Supreme Court Judge Justice Leiataualesa Daryl Clarke in a recent sentencing raised the alarm on ice being embedded in the community with more people making their way to court to answer to drug related charges.
He said, “Where there is a demand for ice created by users, that demand will be filled by importers and dealers to the point that ice now, anecdotally is available for anyone who seeks it out.”
