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Alleged ‘ice’ supplier is arrested
CNMI Drug Enforcement Task Force agents arrested in Garapan a man suspected of being one of the main sources of methamphetamine or “ice” on Saipan.
Kevin Aldan Yamagata was taken to the Superior Court on Wednesday for a bail hearing on charges of trafficking and illegal possession of a controlled substance.
Associate Judge Kenneth L. Govendo imposed a $100,000 cash bail on the 41-year-old Yamagata and set the preliminary hearing for Dec. 13.
Govendo said a private counsel will be appointed for Yamagata. Assistant attorney general Chester Hinds appeared for the government.
A “cooperating source” of the CNMI Drug Enforcement Task Force disclosed that Yamagata actively distributes “ice” on Saipan. The “cooperating source” also alleged that Yamagata is one of the main sources of “ice” on the island.
The “source” was able to buy $150 worth of “ice” from Yamagata during a “buy-walk” operation at his house in Chalan Lau Lau last Sept. 11 and then $150 worth of “ice” during a second “buy-walk” operation in Chalan Kanoa last Sept. 13.
The task force arrested Yamagata last Oct. 3 but soon released him after he agreed to become a confidential informant.
His release was later revoked, resulting in his arrest Wednesday.
