DEA agents arrest suspected ‘ice’ distributor

Drug Enforcement Administration agents arrested Friday a suspected distributor of methamphetamine or “ice” on Saipan.

Yuan Rong Zhao, 41, also known as Ah Long, was served with an arrest warrant after DEA filed in federal court a criminal complaint charging him with one count of distribution of methamphetamine.

At a hearing on Friday afternoon, U.S. District Court for the NMI Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona agreed to unseal the case. Zhao appeared with court-appointed counsel Michael Dotts.

Zhao remains detained pending a detention hearing today, Tuesday.

DEA special agent Jacqueline R. Gordon stated in an affidavit that a confidential source managed to buy $400 worth of “ice” from Zhao outside the latter’s residence in San Antonio on March 6, 2012. Gordon said their confidential source disclosed that Zhao has been distributing “ice” to customers at all hours of the day and night at his residence.

Zhao previously owned a vehicle but allegedly sold it to reduce the risk associated with delivering “ice.”