The number of drug and property crimes investigated by the police in Samoa has skyrocketed.
The significant increase in drug offences bucked a downward trend of crime.
Samoa police badge bearing the country's public seal which reads "Faavae i Le Atua Samoa" which translates to English as "God be the Foundation of Samoa" Photo: RNZI/ Koroi Hawkins
The figures contained in the police ministry's annual report shows a significant drop in the number of homicide cases.
Police only investigated 36 killings last year - that's 14 fewer than the year before.
Sex crimes also showed a slight decrease, with only 48 reports last year.
Samoa police raid uncovers weapons, drugs and cash. Photo: RNZI / Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia
However, there were 138 drug cases investigated last year - that's up from 12 in 2016.
Property crimes recorded a similar increase, with the number of cases rising from 48 to 234 last year.
