K9 Constable Estelle’s Drug Overdose Caused by Dog Handler’s Negligence

2026-01-30 - 22:39

A Police Commission of Inquiry into K9 Constable Estelle’s drug overdose in November last year, has found that it was caused by her Dog Handler’s negligence. Acting Police Commissioner Leiataua Samuelu Afamasaga confirmed that Police K9 Constable Estelle suffered an overdose of methamphetamine, stating that his dog handler was negligent. In response to SGN inquiries in November last year, the Acting Commissioner told local media that K9 Constable Estelle was being treated for a suspected overdose from methamphetamine. Leiataua said at the time that the incident happened during Constable Estelle’s trainings. It is understood that a bag of methamphetamine used during Constable Estelle’s training, had not been properly sealed. “The bag tore during the session, causing the dog to inhale the illicit drug and suffer an overdose.” Leiataua said the result of the special inquiry ruled out intentional foul play and concluded that the dog handler was at fault; and just negligent during the training. “Ia sa fai le suesuega i le alii leoleo sa nafa ma le vaaia o Estelle ma na manino lava le faatamala.” Leiataua said the dog handler has been transferred to another division within the Police Service. “O le taimi nei ua fai ai le faaiuga ua aveese ma le vaega lea ona e iai vaega sa tatau ona ia faia sa le tatau ai ona oo le taifau i le tulaga lea na oo ai.. “Ae faafetai o lea sa maua le fesoasoani ma mafai ai ona toe faaaoga le taifau, lea ua toe malosi.” The Officer has been transferred to the Dog Management Unit. K9 Constable Estelle is reported to be recovering well but has not returned to work.