Time for CNMI to have a drug court, lawmakers say

Now is the best time for the CNMI to have a “drug court” to combat the increasing number of cases involving methamphetamine or “ice,” lawmakers said.

The “drug court” is different from a regular court because it will have specialized personnel handling drug cases.

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.

“One of our biggest social issue is ‘ice,’ and it has become an epidemic,” Guerrero said.

Guerrero, a former CNMI Chief of Parole, said the drug court plays an “integral” part in the fight against drugs.

“The drug court can recommend different treatments. The court can recommend a diversion program, instead of incarceration,” he said.

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.

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.

He said he will support legislation to fund one.

Sen. Sixto Igisomar (R-Saipan) earlier said he is in the process of finalizing a campaign to further combat the proliferation of “ice.”

His campaign will also involve a “drug court” and rehabilitation centers as well as the Department of Public Safety and the Division of Customs on the reinforcement side.

A drug task force, which might require funding, is also being eyed.

Igisomar particularly noted that a “drug court” has already been endorsed and is only awaiting the necessary funding for it to be established.

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.

The CNMI does not have a rehabilitation center, and in most cases, a drug user often pays the fine and walks out.

Rep. Edwin Propst (Ind-Saipan) has filed several bills proposing heavier penalties for peddlers of “ice” and even freezing convicted peddlers’ assets.

Propst said he fully supports the creation of the drug court. “In the war against ‘ice,’ it is good to note that lawmakers are united,” he said.