Tagaloasa Filipaina, the alleged leader of what's considered one of the biggest drug operations in Samoa, was released by the authorities despite being refused parole five times.
In a report by the Samoa Observer, the Minister for Prison Services Tialavea Tionisio Hunt said the prisoner was not considered a risk to the public.
However, Tagaloasa is held in a special section of the prison reserved for those considered high risk of flight and posing danger to others.
The Minister later admitted he knew nothing about the release.
