Mayor ‘RB’ meets recyclers as DPS logs 4-6 copper wire thefts so far in 2026

Saipan Mayor Ramon “RB” B. Camacho last Feb. 19 convened recycling operators at the Saipan Mayor’s Office in Oleai following a spike in copper wire thefts on island, as police confirmed multiple cases so far this year.

Capt. Jeff Olopai, commander of the Criminal Investigation Bureau of the Department of Public Safety, said DPS has responded to “about four to six” copper wire theft cases since January.

“These are the ones that we’re investigating right now,” Olopai said, referring to incidents in January and February.

He said police “respond to them constantly—like every week,” describing the cases as challenging, especially once the wires are stripped.

“Once it’s stripped, it’s copper wire,” he said. “Identifying is the toughest challenge for us.”

Olopai said targets include “houses, businesses, areas that carry that thick gauge of copper wire.” He added that repeat offenders remain a problem. “We put them in jail. They come out, they do it again.”

Camacho said the meeting was intended as a deterrent and a proactive step.

“The purpose of this thing is the rising of the copper wire theft in our community,” the mayor said. “I know there’s a law in place for the recycling to be alert, to be more vigilant and suspicious on any transaction of copper wire coming to your station.”

He said recyclers should pay attention to the size and type of copper being brought in.

“Especially the dimension of the copper. Obviously, the bigger the copper came from industrial wires,” Camacho said. “Let’s not entertain these suspicious people who are coming in with copper wires.”

He warned operators about potential liability under the law on receiving stolen property.

“I don’t want you guys to fall into that bracket,” he said. “I need you guys to continue the business in Saipan, and let’s do it the right way.”

Camacho repeatedly stressed the need for strict identification requirements.

“Don’t make it difficult. Just require them to furnish you their ID,” he said. “If they don’t have ID, reject them.”

He described the gathering as the first time he brought recycling operators together over the issue.

“This is a deterrent from now on because all the operators of the recycling are fully aware,” Camacho said.

“Starting today, please be suspicious. If you’re not too sure of this person, step back.”

He also addressed would-be thieves.

“If you got nothing to do, don’t go and steal somebody’s property,” he said. “If you need money, there’s another way to skin the cat.”

Michael Jang of FSM Recycling said his company has tightened screening procedures in recent months.

“For the past three months, unless they were verified companies—unless they are verified from what project it came from—we made sure to ID and screen all of them,” Jang said. “We actually stopped purchasing copper unless they’re verified.”

He said FSM requires sellers to present identification, sign forms indicating the source of the metal, and submit to security camera recording during unloading. Copper is held for a minimum period before shipment.

“Every time the police officers come by, I am very open to showing them security cameras and everything and all of our receipts,” Jang said. “I have no issues with it.”

A representative of Pacific Line Recycling said the company keeps detailed records and cooperates with law enforcement.

“We have prepared all the records, and we keep records, signed forms and everything from those people who sell and they offer to our yard,” he said. “We have provided all of our copies and records to all the government agencies that require them.”

He said it is “really difficult for us to identify if it is their property or if it was stolen,” noting that most materials received are scrap and later exported.

He recounted rejecting a suspicious seller who later returned with the same copper wires soaked in salt water and mixed with sand and mud.

“We noticed that it was that person who brought those copper wires—the same material. So we rejected them again,” he said.

An Artman Corp. representative said the company handles materials brought in by customers and works with the Division of Solid Waste Management. He said they have reported theft incidents affecting their own operations to DPS.

Camacho said the government needs recyclers as partners in promoting a safe community.

“The mayor really needs you,” he said. “All we need is to work together, and let’s be vigilant out there.”