Child homicide

The suspect as well as the other four men have been charged in connection with drug-related offences.

Samoa Police say the teenager, Uili Uili of Satapuala Village was reported missing since 9 January 2018 by his family.

Uili’s family requested police assistance and indicated to them that he is suspected to have been a victim of a drug related incident.

During investigations police confirmed the existence of marijuana plantations and possible high-powered weapons.

His body was found in bush near Satapuala primary school.

Police spokesperson Auapa'au Logoitino Filipo said the dead boy and another child from the same village had escaped after getting caught for allegedly stealing cannabis plants from an illegal marijuana plantation, thought to have been operated by several men from the village.

Five men between the ages of 30 and 50 were arrested after police raids in the village on Thursday and Friday.

The police said they found more than 140 marijuana plants, some of which were five feet tall, as well as seedlings and seeds.