Customs seizes $300K worth of meth disguised as vitamins

The Department of Finance’s Division of Customs and Biosecurity intercepted last week about $300,000 worth of methamphetamine that was imported through the United Parcel Service disguised as vitamins.

Yesterday, Customs and Biosecurity director Jose Mafnas, along with other members of the Drug Enforcement Taskforce, held a press conference to inform the public that about $300,000 worth of meth (or about 2.9 lbs.) was intercepted last May 14 at the Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport’s cargo area.

These drugs, Mafnas shared, were strategically disguised as packets of powdered vitamin C as well as multivitamin capsules hidden inside One-A-Day vitamin bottles that were sealed to look as if they were unopened.

“Last May 14, at around 11am at cargo area of the Saipan International Airport, Customs conducted a routine search of packages that were coming in as cargo. In this specific case, UPS’ cargo. During the inspection, a Customs officer came across a brown box and after further inspection, he noticed that the contents of the vitamins C packets felt different. So, when he opened one of the packets, he discovered what looked like crystal meth. He proceeded to open vitamin bottles that were also inside the package that contained capsules and when he opened them, he realized that they were filled with what seemed to be crystal meth,” he said.

“In total, the meth found was about 2.9 lbs. With the estimated street value being around $150-$160 per gram, the imported meth is valued at around $300,000 more or less,” Mafnas added.

When asked why the press conference was called six days after the drugs were intercepted, Mafnas explained that initially he and the taskforce wanted to call a press conference once the suspect had been arrested, however, the case is still pending.

Mafnas added that because the case is pending, he could not divulge much information on the suspect.

Department of Public Safety Commissioner Anthony Macaranas, who heads the DETF, shared that although no arrest has been made as of press time, DPS is working diligently on the case.

“To let the community know, we are still going after the people who are responsible of this. It’s a community concern. We are taking this very seriously. This is a joint effort. We will diligently continue to enforce our laws especially interjecting these drugs that could end up in the community. We are doing everything we can to stop these activities of importing these drugs to our island because it ruins families and ruins the reputation of the Commonwealth,” he said.

Department of Corrections Commissioner Anthony Torres, who is also part of the taskforce, shared that he and his department are thankful for the work that Customs has done in the fight against drugs.

“I thank all officers who were involved in this bust. Their actions undoubtedly saved lives and disrupted criminal activities that seek to undermine the safety of our community. For that, we are very grateful, and we will continue to aid in this war against drugs,” he said.