By: Eustoria Marie Borja
Vice President and Minister of Justice Uduch Sengebau Senior and several key officials provided updates on Palau’s ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking during a live-streamed Ministry of Justice Family Hour on September 5, 2024. The Vice President was joined by Special Assistant on Legal Matters Asterio Takashi, Bureau of Public Safety (BPS) Detective Lieutenant Miwa Nabeyama, Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (BCBP) Director John Tarkong Jr., and Postmaster General Santy Asanuma.
Vice President Sengebau Senior reported that four drug-related cases were filed in court between June and July 2024, with three additional cases (Case Nos. 24-048, 24-049, and 24-050) filed between August 29 and September 3, 2024. These cases demonstrate the collaborative efforts among multiple agencies to address increasingly sophisticated drug smuggling activities.
BCBP Director John Tarkong Jr. emphasized the vital role of border security in protecting Palau from drug-related threats. He detailed recent drug seizures at the airport and post office, where narcotics were concealed in both passenger belongings and mail packages. Tarkong highlighted the collaboration between Palau Customs, the Bureau of Public Safety (BPS), and the Narcotics Enforcement Agency (NEA), noting that all operations begin at the border. This coordinated approach has resulted in several successful drug interdictions. He added that continuous monitoring at the airport focuses on passengers, while postal inspections involve a joint effort between the Customs Division, BPS, and the NEA.
Postmaster General Santy Asanuma discussed the role of Palau’s Postal Services, acknowledging that while the postal system connects Palauans with family abroad, it also presents opportunities for drug trafficking, including methamphetamine and cocaine. Asanuma assured the public that customs and law enforcement agencies are closely inspecting packages for illegal substances, particularly drugs like meth, THC, and vapes. The Post Office, in coordination with Customs, serves as a critical extension of Palau’s border security efforts.
Detective Lieutenant Miwa Nabeyama spoke about the importance of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which allows for inter-agency collaboration. The MOU enables Customs, BPS, and NEA to work together in tracking, intercepting, and prosecuting drug-related crimes. Nabeyama stressed the importance of sharing intelligence across agencies to effectively address the challenges posed by limited resources and manpower.
Vice President Sengebau Senior provided details on the legal process, noting that each suspect has a bail set at $50,000 while they await court dates. She also underscored the importance of maintaining a proper chain of custody for seized methamphetamine, which must be sent to Guam for forensic testing due to the absence of a drug-testing facility in Palau. This chain of custody ensures that evidence is securely handled from the point of seizure at the airport or post office to its storage and transportation for analysis.
Director Tarkong announced plans to enhance border protection by installing new security equipment. An agreement with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will bring additional CCTV cameras to cover blind spots at the airport and post office. Non-intrusive inspection equipment will also be introduced by 2025 to further strengthen Palau’s ability to inspect packages for illegal substances.
Tarkong also called for the passage of the Customs Act bill, pending before the Olbiil Era Kelulau (OEK) for 12 years. He urged the public to support the bill’s passage, emphasizing that its approval would significantly enhance Palau’s ability to manage and enforce customs regulations effectively.
For further information, the public can contact the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection at 488-1985 or the Palau Post Office at 488-2406.