Overview:
Three people arriving in Palau from the Philippines were arrested in separate incidents after authorities allegedly found a combined 337.82 grams of methamphetamine concealed inside their bodies. Four people now face felony charges, with bail totaling $2 million.
Four defendants face felony drug charges, with combined bail set at $2 million
By: L.N. Reklai
KOROR, Palau — Three Filipinos were arrested after arriving in Palau in separate incidents and allegedly were found carrying a combined 337.82 grams of methamphetamine concealed inside their bodies, according to police reports.
The seized drugs have an estimated street value of between $169,000 and $270,000, according to the reports.
All four people charged in connection with the cases — including the husband of one of the women — are in custody, with bail set at $500,000 each, for a combined $2 million.
The first incident occurred Sept. 12, when June Espiritu Valdez and Ruchel Cana Tura arrived from Manila on United Airlines Flight 192. Customs and Border Protection officers referred the two passengers for secondary inspection based on their history of frequent travel between Palau and the Philippines.
Valdez and Tura told officers they were boyfriend and girlfriend. After being separated and interviewed, however, they reportedly provided conflicting information that prompted further investigation.
Both were taken to the hospital for X-rays and CT scans, which showed foreign objects inside their bodies, according to a report by an officer with the Narcotics Enforcement Unit of the Division of Transnational Crime.
The two were given medication to help them pass the objects.
Valdez passed three oval-shaped, hard objects. After being cleaned, tested and weighed, the objects totaled 130.62 grams and tested positive for methamphetamine, according to the report.
Tura also passed three oval-shaped, hard objects. The objects weighed 118.46 grams and tested positive for methamphetamine.
Police reports also documented that Valdez and Tura had made numerous trips between Palau and the Philippines.
Each was charged with two felonies: attempted importation of a controlled substance and trafficking of a controlled substance.
Under Palau’s latest tougher drug laws, each charge carries a sentence of 25 to 50 years in prison and a fine ranging from $50,000 to $1 million if convicted.
Third arrest
A third Filipina, Roma Monica Oalin Macayan, was arrested Sept. 14 after arriving in Palau from the Philippines.
Customs and Border Protection officers noted that Macayan appeared agitated and directed her for further inspection, according to the Narcotics Enforcement Unit report.
Macayan is married to Palauan Wilhelm Rekis Aichi, who has previous drug convictions and is currently on parole for a separate drug conviction. Because of her behavior and her association with Aichi, officers asked Macayan to undergo an X-ray. She agreed, according to the report.
The X-ray showed a foreign object inside her body. After the object was removed, it was weighed at 88.74 grams and tested positive for methamphetamine.
Macayan was advised of her rights and provided a statement to authorities, according to the report. She said Aichi had arranged for her to travel to the Philippines, communicate with a person there and return to Palau with a controlled substance.
Macayan also reportedly told investigators that this was not the first time Aichi had arranged for her to travel to the Philippines and return with a controlled substance.
Macayan faces two felony charges: attempted importation of a controlled substance and trafficking of a controlled substance. Each carries a maximum sentence of 50 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million if convicted.
Macayan and Aichi are also charged with conspiracy to import a controlled substance, a felony carrying the same maximum prison sentence and fine.
Frequent travel noted
The two incidents resulted in the seizure of 337.82 grams of methamphetamine, with an estimated street value of between $169,000 and $270,000, according to police.
Valdez, Tura, Macayan and Aichi are all in custody, with bail set at $500,000 per person.
Police reports noted that the cases are not being viewed as isolated incidents. The reports specifically documented frequent travel between Palau and the Philippines involving people allegedly bringing methamphetamine into Palau.
The charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.