Customs so far intercepted over $1M worth of meth this year

The year may not be over yet but since January, the Department of Finance’s Division of Customs and Biosecurity has intercepted over $1 million worth of methamphetamine at the CNMI’s borders.

According to Customs and Biosecurity Director Jose Mafnas, from January up to this week, about 15 lbs. of methamphetamine (or a little over 6,800 grams) was intercepted at the islands’ borders.

These drugs are usually concealed as packages and are smuggled in through the U.S. Postal Service.

With the street value at around $160 per gram, 15 lbs. of methamphetamine is equivalent to a little over $1 million.

Mafnas shared that the price per gram has gone down which could mean sellers are providing discounts or there is a high supply of methamphetamine on island.

Whatever the case, Mafnas said with the rebirth of the Drug Enforcement Taskforce—which includes agencies like the Department of Public Safety, Department of Corrections, Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services, Homeland Security, Drug Enforcement Agency, and more—the battle against illegal drugs in the CNMI continues.

According to Saipan Tribune archives, Customs and Biosecurity intercepted last week about $300,000 worth of methamphetamine that was imported through the United Parcel Service disguised as vitamins.

Mafnas, along with other members of the Drug Enforcement Taskforce, held a press conference last Monday 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.

Jose C. Mafnas