By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang
Koror, Palau – Drug use in Palau has become a significant public concern, with residents voicing alarm over its impact, particularly on young children. The issue was highlighted during recent state visits across Palau, where citizens expressed fears that drug abuse is rampant and even affecting elementary school students.
During a recent Ministry of Justice (MOJ) radio show, Criminal Investigations Division Lieutenant Gabriel acknowledged the severity of the problem. “I admit drugs are a big issue in Palau,” he said, noting that all illegal drugs enter the country through the airport and the port. He pointed to a recent surge in theft reports as evidence of the growing drug crisis.
The Narcotics Unit, tasked with combating this issue, is severely understaffed, with only seven officers, including one customs officer. The unit’s organizational chart indicates that it should have a minimum of 16 officers to operate effectively.
While President Surangel Whipps Jr. expressed gratitude to the congress for increasing the MOJ’s budget during a recent press conference, many police officers argue that the drug problem is not solely due to a lack of resources. They believe the issue is also tied to broader management challenges within the MOJ, particularly the absence of a permanent director.
When questioned about the use of drug-detecting K9 units, Chief Sengebau explained that these dogs are intended to help detect drugs at the borders. He added that the Transnational Crimes Division, which oversees human trafficking and the Narcotics Unit, is responsible for the K9 units. However, he stated that he had been directed by the MOJ’s director to focus solely on drug issues, leaving human trafficking and K9 operations to the director.
Director Levite, who leads MOJ from abroad, had downplayed the drug problem in Palau, stating that human trafficking was a more significant issue during a Senate oversight hearing in 2023. The MOJ’s approach to drug enforcement has shifted with the Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement Agency (NEA) absorbed into one of seven divisions managed by Director Levite.
Since Levitre left for the United States in March, the MOJ has seen six acting directors, including instances where one acting director had to appoint another while on official trips off-island.
By law, President Whipps is responsible for appointing the Director of the Bureau of Public Safety. However, Levitre’s return date remains uncertain, with the President only stating that Levitre will return “soon.”
As the MOJ struggles with understaffing across its many divisions, the public’s concern about drugs remains high, underscoring the urgent need for effective leadership and resources to address the escalating crisis.