Samoa's Prime Minister has come out in support of the police commissioner's explanation
about the events of a drug raid which left one villager dead, and three officers injured.
A large contingent of police approached the village of Faleatiu last Monday where a family was suspected of drug offences, a shoot out ensued and a 39 year old male family member was killed.
On his radio programme, Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, said police were unable to proceed with the raid because they were fired on.
He also added that claims by a family matai for the police to inform them first before carrying out the raid could not have happened.
He says that would have given those suspected of dealing drugs time to hide or remove evidence.
Three matais of the family met with the prime minister recently to air their concerns over the shooting, however Tuila'epa advised the chiefs to leave the matter to the police for investigations.
