Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

American Samoa post-tsunami price gouging case goes to court

Posted at 22:29 on 11 November, 2009 UTC

The first known case in American Samoa regarding price gouging following the September 29th earthquake and tsunami has gone before the District Court.

The government’s case is against Laumua Mark in Failolo village.

According to court documents, the grocery store had raised its prices more than 10 percent after the tsunami and the Governor’s subsequent declaration of a state of emergency.

Some of the items that were reported having their prices raised included canned luncheon meat, mayonnaise and sugar.

The owners of the store have pleaded not guilty and their preliminary examination is scheduled for next Thursday.

Meanwhile, the Assistant Attorney General, Kevin Kornegay told the Samoa News that his office received at least 50 phone calls in the last two weeks regarding price gouging.