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Torres supports more funding for Customs
IN AFTERMATH OF HUGE ‘ICE’ BUST
Acting governor Ralph DLG Torres is supporting the call to give more funding to law enforcement agencies particularly the Division of Customs in light of a massive drug bust that Customs successfully conducted.
In a press conference on Monday on Capital Hill, Customs director Joe Mafnas disclosed that agents were able to intercept approximately 12 kilos (23.5 lbs) of methamphetamine or “ice” which has an estimated value of $4.2 million.
“This (the drug bust) makes it more reasonable for us to give the Customs more tools to prevent drugs from coming in the CNMI,” Torres said.
He said the drug bust was “very critical” considering the huge amount of drugs involved.
As for the additional funding for the Customs, Torres said “we are looking at it” particularly a big X-ray machine that the division needs.
“We will find funding for it,” Torres said, noting that he will soon sit down with members of the Legislature on the funding concern.
Mafnas said in his more than 20 years in law enforcement, this is “largest crystal meth intercepted” in the CNMI.
“Like I always said, we need to choke this at the point of entry. We choked it, stopped it, so 23 lbs of crystal meth will not make it to the streets,” Mafnas said.
Department of Public Safety Commissioner James C. Deleon Guerrero referred to the massive drug bust as the “mother of all mother lodes.”
He said he is “very happy” that DPS will “not collect” this amount of drugs on the CNMI.
Like Torres, the police chief also said he supports more funding for the Customs, as well as for other law enforcement agencies.
Earlier, Mafnas said the division badly needs agents, particularly during this time that the entry of illegal drugs into the CNMI is increasing at an alarming rate.
Mafnas, however, clarified that the Finance secretary is “very supportive” of the needs of the division. Mafnas is asking for 18 more personnel to add to the 46 staff currently manning the Customs Division.
He also emphasized the need for more equipment, including a large X-ray machine.
