A shipment of alcoholic beverages from American Samoa has been impounded by the Samoa Ministry of Customs and Revenue, for not having an import license.
Samoa Observer reports the Faleata 4 MP, Ale Vena Ale, has denied owning the consignment, despite officials confirming his name is identified in the cargo manifest.
The consignment arrived on September 3rd 2022, on the MV Lady Naomi; and contained six of seven pallets of 400 cartons of Woodstock, and 10 cartons of Johnnie Walker Black Label.
The report noted that the MP was told of the contents of the consignmen, but responded saying that his package should have been frozen food.
“The six pallets containing Woodstock Bourbon remained detained at the SSC CCA from 3 September, 2022, until a Notice of Seizure was issued to Hon M.P. Ale Vena Ale on 14 September, 2022,” the report stated.
Furthermore, the report noted the HRPP MP is referred “to as the importer and owner of the goods imported under his name, and he is liable for the unlawful importation of goods found in the consignment imported under his name.
Contacted for a comment, Ale maintained that he does not own the consignment and that the M.C.R. should carry out their investigation to confirm the owner.
