2 indictments vs 5 men in meth “lab” cases

The U.S. government filed Tuesday two separate indictments against five men who were arrested in connection with a crackdown on an alleged clandestine laboratory that made crystal methamphetamine or “ice” on Saipan.

Charged in the first indictment are Vincent David Cabrera Jr.; also known as Bong; Eugene Blas Repeki Jr., also known as Uncle; Rick Urumelog Omar Jr., also known as Boboy; and Sidney Capelle Kani.

Charged in the second indictment is David Muna Sablan.

The first indictment charged Cabrera, Repeki, Omar, and Kani with conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine, and conspiracy to possess chemicals, products, and equipment to manufacture methamphetamine.

In addition, the first indictment charged Repeki and Kani with distribution of methamphetamine, and manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine on premises where a child is present and resides.

The first indictment also charged Repeki and Omar with distribution of methamphetamine, and manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine on premises where a child is present and resides.

The first indictment added a charge of maintaining a drug-involved premises against Cabrera.

Cabrera, Repeki, Omar, and Kani allegedly manufactured and distributed methamphetamine from July 1, 2017, to Feb. 25, 2018. The four allegedly had equipment, chemicals, and materials to make crystal meth such as pseudoephedrine, lithium batteries, cold packs, iodized salt, Iye, lighter fluid, water bottles, and coffee filters.

Last Feb. 1, Repeki and Kani allegedly manufactured and distributed “ice” on premises in which a child is present and resides.

Last Feb. 8, Repeki and Omar allegedly manufactured and distributed “ice” on premises in which a child is present and resides.

Last Feb. 24 through Feb. 25, Cabrera allegedly rented and maintained a room at the Saipan Vegas Resort Hotel for the purpose of manufacturing, distributing, or using “ice” using the “shake and bake” method.

The second indictment charged David Muna Sablan with conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine; conspiracy to possess chemicals, products, and equipment to manufacture methamphetamine; and endangering a human life

Last March 15, Sablan allegedly conspired with others to manufacture “ice” and to possess equipment, chemicals, products, and materials used to manufacture methamphetamine.

While illegally manufacturing the “ice” and transporting its materials, including chemicals, Sablan allegedly created a substantial risk of harm to human life.

Authorities said Sablan threw a backpack and bag that contained chemicals and items used in making “ice” during a police chase in Garapan last March 15. Four police officers complained of nausea and dizziness and vomited after inhaling the chemicals.

At yesterday’s arraignment, Sablan, who appeared with court-appointed counsel Janet H. King, pleaded not guilty.
Jury trial will be on May 31, 2018.