Now is the best time for the CNMI to have a \u201cdrug court\u201d to combat the increasing number of cases involving methamphetamine or \u201cice,\u201d lawmakers said.<\/p>\n
The \u201cdrug court\u201d is different from a regular court because it will have specialized personnel handling drug cases.<\/p>\n
According to Rep. Joseph Lee Pan Guerrero (R-Saipan), the drug court will have a psychologist and treatment provider, among others, who are equipped with the necessary specialties to handle drug cases.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne of our biggest social issue is \u2018ice,\u2019 and it has become an epidemic,\u201d Guerrero said.<\/p>\n
Guerrero, a former CNMI Chief of Parole, said the drug court plays an \u201cintegral\u201d part in the fight against drugs.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe drug court can recommend different treatments. The court can recommend a diversion program, instead of incarceration,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He added that the psychologist and treatment provider will assist the drug user to complete a prescribed program recommended by the court. And if the offender fails to complete the program, it is only then that incarceration becomes an option.<\/p>\n
The lawmaker, however, admitted that the drug court proposal has been going on for many years now but has not really taken off due to the lack of funds.<\/p>\n
He said he will support legislation to fund one.<\/p>\n
Sen. Sixto Igisomar (R-Saipan) earlier said he is in the process of finalizing a campaign to further combat the proliferation of \u201cice.\u201d<\/p>\n
His campaign will also involve a \u201cdrug court\u201d and rehabilitation centers as well as the Department of Public Safety and the Division of Customs on the reinforcement side.<\/p>\n
A drug task force, which might require funding, is also being eyed.<\/p>\n
Igisomar particularly noted that a \u201cdrug court\u201d has already been endorsed and is only awaiting the necessary funding for it to be established.<\/p>\n
He said the campaign will work in such a way that the drug court will collaborate with the rehabilitation center to prevent users from going back to using drugs.<\/p>\n
The CNMI does not have a rehabilitation center, and in most cases, a drug user often pays the fine and walks out.<\/p>\n
Rep. Edwin Propst (Ind-Saipan) has filed several bills proposing heavier penalties for peddlers of \u201cice\u201d and even freezing convicted peddlers\u2019 assets.<\/p>\n
Propst said he fully supports the creation of the drug court. \u201cIn the war against \u2018ice,\u2019 it is good to note that lawmakers are united,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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