KOROR, Palau — Authorities confiscated methamphetamine and ammunition in two separate drug busts in February, leading to felony charges against the defendants, the Attorney General’s Office announced. Charges range from trafficking a controlled substance to possession of ammunition.

On March 1, Horseley Saka was charged with five counts of possession of ammunition and one count of possession of a controlled substance.

According to police reports, officers conducting routine surveillance in Meyuns spotted two individuals in a van. One was seen holding a clear pipe to his mouth while lighting it with a flame.

Narcotics Enforcement Unit (NEU) officers approached and identified the individuals. After obtaining consent to search, officers found Saka allegedly in possession of two glass pipes and a small straw containing a white crystalline substance that later tested positive for methamphetamine.

A further search of Saka’s handbag revealed five .38-caliber bullets stored in a case, along with scissors and straws. Under Palau law, possession of ammunition is a felony punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and/or a maximum prison sentence of five years if convicted.

In a separate case, the Attorney General charged Marbou Burton Wong, also known as Marbou Burton, with one count of trafficking a controlled substance and one count of possession of a controlled substance.

Police reports allege that Burton was found in possession of 0.51 grams of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and marijuana.

A conviction for trafficking a controlled substance carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 50 years in prison and a fine of no less than $50,000.

Both cases highlight the ongoing efforts to crack down on illegal drugs. (By: L.N. Reklai)