Koror, Palau – Palau is grappling with a concerning rise in methamphetamine smuggling, primarily perpetrated by foreign nationals, according to recent cases reported by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) (Palau Supreme Court, 2024). The alarming trend is evident in three separate cases of Trafficking of Controlled Substance, a felony charge, filed in early February 2024 (Palau Supreme Court, 2024).
Lt. Kenny Sengebau of the Narcotics Enforcement Agency (NEA) and Transnational Crime Unit (NEA, 2024) confirmed a significant increase in cases involving Chinese nationals attempting to smuggle illegal drugs into Palau (NEA, 2024). While three cases have already been filed, ongoing investigations suggest the issue might be more widespread (NEA, 2024).
One case stemmed from a murder investigation where the remains of a Chinese national were discovered burned in Ewall in December 2023. During the investigation, Mr. Wong Jiun Hong, one of the individuals interviewed, had his hotel room searched. This search uncovered a clear bag containing 57.45 grams of methamphetamine, with a street value estimated at around $57,000.
Another individual, Mr. Ooi Poh Chuan, who was also questioned in connection with the murder, consented to a search of his room at the Jing Ping Hotel. Police discovered clear plastics containing crystal substances behind a picture frame on the wall, which later tested positive for methamphetamine. The total amount of methamphetamine seized in this case was a staggering 469.6 grams, valued at nearly half a million dollars (NEA, 2024).
On February 3rd, a female passenger, Ms. Kam Mui Chan, arriving from Manila, Philippines, triggered secondary screening due to suspicious behavior, including frequent bathroom visits. A thorough search revealed a strap hidden around her waist and that she was wearing diapers. While the initial search yielded no results, a subsequent examination of the bathroom uncovered a white trash bag containing 50 grams of crystalline substance, with an additional 4 grams scattered on the floor. Further investigation of her hotel room revealed 1.4 grams of methamphetamine hidden in the bathroom sink. According to a police affidavit, Ms. Chan claimed the drugs were for her diabetes treatment (NEA, 2024).
All three individuals arrived in Palau as tourists and are currently detained in the country’s jail awaiting trial. They face serious charges, including Trafficking of Controlled Substance, a felony carrying a minimum sentence of 25 years in prison and a $50,000 fine, and Possession of a Controlled Substance, punishable by a minimum of 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine (Palau Supreme Court, 2024).
These recent cases highlight a concerning trend of foreign nationals attempting to smuggle methamphetamine into Palau. The authorities are actively investigating these incidents and taking steps to curb this illegal activity.