Federal court unseals two drug cases

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Posted on Dec 02 2005
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The federal court yesterday unsealed two cases involving two men charged with trafficking methamphetamine or “ice” on Saipan.

U.S. District Court for the NMI Chief Judge Alex R. Munson granted the U.S. government’s motion to unseal the cases against Francisco N. Basa also known as Frank N. Baza, and Jose Cruz Aldan also known as Joe Aldan.

Basa, 30, was indicted with conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.

According to the indictment that was filed under seal on Oct. 20, 2005, between March and Oct. 2005, Basa “did knowingly conspire with one or more persons to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.”

The indictment also stated that on Aug. 28, 2005, Basa possessed with intent to distribute five grams or more of “ice.”

The defendant and counsel signed a plea agreement with the U.S. government. He pleaded guilty yesterday to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of “ice.”

Munson accepted Basa’s plea and the agreement. He set the sentencing for March 7, 2006 at 9am.

Basa was remanded back to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

Aldan, 39, was indicted with two counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.

Aldan pleaded not guilty yesterday.

Munson set the jury trial for Feb. 6, 2006 at 9am.

A $10,000 bail was imposed for Aldan’s temporary liberty.

The indictment stated that on Nov. 3, 2003, Aldan distributed and possessed with intent to distribute 1.1 grams of methamphetamine.

On Jan. 29, 2004, the defendant distributed and possessed with intent to distribute .29 grams of “ice.”

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