Landau formally hands over Donation of Ballistic Vests to Samoa Prime Minister
2026-03-02 - 08:48
2 March 2026 Taumeasina Island Resort, Apia Samoa. The Tactical Operational Service (TOS) Division of Samoa’s Ministry of Police have been blessed with a donation of protective ballistic vests from the United States of America. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, Mr Christopher Landau formally handed over the donation of ballistic vests to Samoa Prime Minister Susuga Laaulialemalietoa Polataivao Leuatea Fosi Schmidt in a special ceremony held in honor of Landau’s visit. Ballistic vest suits with protective head gear – handed over to Samoa Prime Minister Susuga Laaulialemalietoa Polataivao Leuatea Fosi Schmidt from US Deputy Secretary of State, Mr Christopher Landau. The vests are part of enhanced police protection measures, particularly for use during dangerous drug raids as part of Samoa’s “Say No to Illegal Drugs” campaign. In his keynote address, the Deputy Secretary of State paid tribute to the brave men and women who protect Samoa’s communities every day. “Transnational crime harms both Samoa and nearby American Samoa,” said Landau. “Drug trafficking organisations do not respect borders, and officers are facing increasing risks... “It’s essential that they have the protective gear they need to do their jobs”. The US Deputy Secretary of State commended the Samoa Prime Minister for his focus on border security as a top priority. In response the Samoa Prime Minister thanked Mr Landau. Laaulialemalietoa said the significance of the handover during this official visit of the Deputy Secretary of State, reinforces seucurity cooperation between Samoa and the United States. Samoa’s Prime Minister had declared war against illegal drugs last year and Laaulialemalietoa had indicated the need for better equipment for the protection of officers, especially with rising concerns involving methamphetamine in the community. The handover was a key part of Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau’s official visit, timed to support the Samoa Ministry of Police in high-risk operations such as drug raids.