American Samoa's governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga has allocated $US1 million towards the government's efforts to combat illegal drugs in the territory.
According to the governor, the escalating incidence of drug use and production of drugs in the territory is a great concern, prompting this response to provide funding to contain these challenges.
He said the Drug Control Task Force, which is made up of government entities, was already set up to identify and develop strategies with input from all parties involved in combating the serious drug problem on island.
Lolo said the $US1 million allocation, which was included in budget of fiscal year 2018, will finance the task force's efforts through established outreach and drug control programs.