FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, D.C. ----

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he has received a letter from the U.S. Postal Service confirming that the February, 1997 theft of drugs from the post office in American Samoa is being investigated by U.S. postal inspectors.

In response to Faleomavaega's letter to U.S. Postmaster General, Marvin Runyon, the Congressman has received a letter from the legislative affairs office of the postal service, which reads in part:

"I can certainly understand your concern in this matter. The Postal Service recognizes its key role in ensuring the safety and security of all items that enter the mailstream. This is a disturbing incident and the Postal Service fully appreciates your comments regarding the difficulties this type of situation can present for the successful prosecution of a criminal case."

"The Office of the Chief Postal Inspector, here at Postal Service Headquarters, advises that this incident is the subject of a continuing investigation. As the premature disclosure of evidence could jeopardize the investigative effort, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time. However, I have asked the Postal Inspection Service to advise me as any significant developments occur in this case that I may share with you."

"I want to assure our people in Samoa that I am treating the theft from the post office in Fagatogo as a very serious matter, and I intend to pursue this until it is resolved. I am concerned that this incident occurred over three months ago and we have seen no tangible results from either the local police or post office investigators. As I receive more information on this matter, I will continue to inform the public of any new developments," said Faleomavaega.