Drug trial opens can of worms

A testimony delivered by a witness in the trial of convicted drug-trafficker Leo S. Pangelinan yielded a list of alleged drug suppliers who may already be facing probe by federal and local authorities.

Sonia Belyeu, an admitted drug user and former business partner of Mr. Pangelinan, dropped a string of names whom she claims were part of a hand-to-hand distribution of controlled substances.

Police Commissioner Charles W. Ingram Jr. has requested the US District Court for a copy of Ms. Belyeu’s controversial testimony, where she incriminated police captain Delbert Sablan’s alleged involvement in the illegitimate business operation.

The verbatim transcription of Ms. Belyeu’s sworn statement would hopefully shed more light into the actual accusations being hurled against the embattled Criminal Investigation Bureau commander, according to the commissioner.

In addition, it could also open the door for other revelations, such as other individuals named by the witness, particularly other officers in the police force.

“We want to find out what exactly was said against Mr. Sablan. More importantly, we are concerned with the other names, if there are police officers there. Because if there are, we have to treat them in the same way we have treated Mr. Sablan. We have to investigate our own people, it’s our duty,” said Mr. Ingram.

Late last week, the Department of Public Safety ordered the start of investigation on the CIB official’s alleged involvement in drug-trafficking, with aid from federal authorities.

Pending the completion of the investigation, Mr. Sablan has been assigned directly under the Commissioner’s Office to perform administrative tasks.

The embattled police official has found himself in the hot seat stemming from remarks made last Wednesday by Ms. Belyeu, who told the federal court under oath the high-ranking DPS supplied her ice sometime ago.

Ms. Belyeu, while testifying against the defendant, also declared her involvement in the drug operation with her former boyfriend, Mr. Pangelinan.

In the hopes of lessening the consequences of her alleged part in the operation, the key witness then struck a deal with the government.

By pleading guilty to charges of illegal possession of metamphetamine or ice, Ms. Belyeu may meet a 20-year maximum jail term.

The former Attorney General’s Office employee reportedly admitted she had no desire to spend a single day behind bars.