Senior Cop calls to legalize drug paraphernalia

The Vice and Narcotics Division of the Department of Public Safety are calling to criminalize drug paraphernalia in the territory.

The call from Deputy Head of the Division, Captain Abel Penetusi follows the discovery of drug paraphernalia in a KVZK vehicle last month. Drug paraphernalia is equipment that is used to produce, conceal, and consume illicit drugs.

It includes but is not limited to items such as bongs, roach clips, miniature spoons, and various types of pipes.

Captain Penetusi said they have made efforts to criminalize drug paraphernalia in the past but they have been unsuccessful over the years.

“Our laws as it stands, do not include possession of drug paraphernalia as a crime as it is in other countries. The law needs to change, to include such equipment, especially in light of the drug problems in the territory,” he told KVZK in an interview.

Regarding the KVZK staff, Captain Penetusi said they cannot proceed with any criminal charges, given items found were drug paraphernalia.

“Is it not illegal to carry drugs paraphernalia,” he said. Last month drug paraphernalia was found in a KVZK vehicle and several members of the staff were taken in for drug testing.

Human Resources Director Lynn Pulou Alaimalo said the results of the drug tests conducted for the three KVZK staff have been received, however, under the government’s drug and alcohol policy the outcome of the tests are confidential.