Reports of increased drug activity in Palau were confirmed last week with the filing of three separate drug bust cases, involving large sums of cash, alleged bribery attempts of law enforcement, and the smuggling of drugs by a police officer.
In case No. 24-049, 279 grams of methamphetamine, commonly known as “meth” or “ice,” were intercepted at the Post Office by Customs officials. The Customs Office contacted the Narcotics Enforcement Unit (NEU) after observing a man, identified as Keith Mtoched, receiving seven clear-wrapped cylindrical packages.
According to police reports, while waiting for the NEU to arrive, Mtoched allegedly offered Customs Officer Jake Meltel money in exchange for being allowed to leave with the packages. Upon the arrival of the NEU officers, the contents of the packages were tested and confirmed to be methamphetamine.
Police statements further revealed that Mtoched informed officers that the packages were intended for delivery to Donald Heno. In coordination with police, Mtoched conducted a controlled delivery of two grams of the drugs to Heno at Belau National Hospital.
Officers followed Mtoched to the hospital and witnessed the exchange between him and Heno. After Heno received the package, police stopped him, at which point he allegedly offered Lt. Dolyn Tell $3,000, promising an additional $6,000 from his car if he were released. This led officers to search Heno’s vehicle, where they discovered $8,500 in cash.
The Office of the Attorney General has filed six charges against Mtoched and Heno, including Trafficking Controlled Substances, Possession of Controlled Substances, and Bribery of police officers, among other charges.
A conviction for trafficking controlled substances carries a mandatory sentence of at least 25 years in prison and a fine of no less than $50,000.
Last month, during a “Family Hour” event hosted by the Ministry of Justice, police officers appealed to the public for help in combatting the growing drug problem in Palau. They acknowledged the increasing drug issue and shared frustrations over the daily challenges they face. However, they reassured the public that they remain committed to fighting illegal drug activities with the community’s support.