Macaranas: Drug cases down, but smugglers continue using CNMI ports, mail

Drug investigations in the CNMI have declined, but illegal drugs continue to enter the Commonwealth through its ports and postal system, according to Department of Public Safety Commissioner Anthony Macaranas.

Speaking as guest speaker at the Rotary Club of Saipan's meeting last Oct. 27 at Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan, Macaranas said DPS continues to pursue drug offenders while strengthening cooperation with federal authorities to intercept illegal shipments and prosecute those responsible.

Responding to a question from Marianas Press, Macaranas said DPS is currently handling about 40 drug cases, compared with previously higher numbers that he placed at 80 to 100 cases.

"The first question is that our drugs investigation has gone down," he said.

Macaranas did not provide a specific reporting period for the figures or comparative arrest statistics, but attributed the decline partly to more aggressive police enforcement and investigations.

However, fewer investigations do not necessarily mean illegal drugs have stopped entering the Commonwealth.

Responding to another reporter's question, Macaranas identified the post office and ports as among the routes used to smuggle illegal drugs into the CNMI.

He said drug traffickers continuously adjust their methods whenever authorities intercept shipments, making cooperation between local and federal law enforcement agencies essential.

Macaranas said DPS is working with the CNMI Division of Customs & Biosecurity and other law enforcement partners to strengthen interdiction efforts before illegal drugs reach the streets.

He also disclosed plans to assign three DPS officers to a federal drug task force to strengthen investigations and coordination with the Drug Enforcement Administration.

The commissioner said he prefers referring eligible drug cases to federal authorities when possible, partly because of the considerable expense of housing suspects in the CNMI's correctional facility.

"To house a person down at our correction compound, I think on a day it's close to $1,000 just to house one person," he said.

Macaranas said the estimated expense includes feeding, clothing, guarding, and providing other necessities to detainees, with local taxpayers shouldering the costs.

He explained that federal prosecution, when accepted by federal authorities, can ease the Commonwealth's financial burden because the federal government covers associated detention expenses.

"So that's why we're very adamant to move cases over to the federal," he said.

Macaranas stressed that the preference for federal prosecution does not mean the local justice system is ineffective. Rather, he said, federal authorities have additional resources, including treatment and counseling programs for offenders.

He also raised concerns about suspected drug transactions involving vessels operating between Rota and Guam.

According to Macaranas, Rota police continue to monitor maritime traffic following reports of boats meeting offshore to conduct possible drug transactions.

He said authorities sometimes withhold information about interceptions and ongoing investigations to avoid jeopardizing prosecutions.

On the possible arrival of fentanyl in the CNMI, Macaranas said he has not received any reports confirming the presence of the highly potent synthetic opioid in the Commonwealth.

He said Customs personnel and DPS drug officers have not reported detecting fentanyl locally.

"We continue to pray that it never reaches us, but again, my officers continue to be vigilant," he said.

Macaranas also acknowledged that arresting drug users alone will not solve the Commonwealth's drug problem.

He said the CNMI needs rehabilitation facilities and programs to provide treatment and counseling, particularly for individuals struggling with substance abuse and homelessness.

"The problem is that we don't have a rehabilitation center to put them in and treat them," he said.

The commissioner also advised businesses dealing with disruptive individuals outside their establishments to call 911.

However, he acknowledged that police cannot simply arrest individuals for being homeless or appearing to be under the influence of drugs without evidence of a criminal offense.

Macaranas said the lack of appropriate rehabilitation and support programs makes it difficult for authorities to provide lasting solutions, particularly when the same individuals repeatedly return to commercial establishments.

Despite manpower shortages and limited resources, Macaranas assured Rotarians that DPS remains committed to combating illegal drugs and protecting the community.