By: L.N. Reklai
December 18, 2016 (Koror, Palau) Two more folks were charged for trafficking, possession and attempt importation of drugs “ice” into Palau this December. Shaft Katosang and Edwin Rechirikl were charged by the Office of the Attorney General on various counts of drug related offenses.
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According to Customs Officer Meyer Julius, Mr. Shaft Katosang on December 3, 2016, arrived from Philippines and was caught at the airport with 27.60g of methamphetamine concealed inside his cap. Mr. Katosang admitted that the items were his but only for his own use.
Mr. Katosang was charged for Possession of a Controlled Substance, a felony charge with sentence term of not less than 3 years and not less than $2,500 fine upon first conviction. His second charge was for Attempted Importation of Methamphetamine which carries prison term of not less than 25 years and fine of not less than $50,000 for first conviction.
Mr. Edwin Rechirikl was charged on four felony charges, two Possession of Controlled Substance and two Trafficking of Controlled substances.
Based on Officer Marlon Bechab’s affidavit, Mr. Rechirikl was observed on two different occasions selling methamphetamine or “ice” to confidential informants of the Belau Drug Enforcement Taskforce. Items retrieved at these “controlled buy” operations were tested positive for methamphetamine.
Trafficking of a Controlled Substance is a felony charge punishable by a sentence of not less than 25 years and not less than $50,000 fine upon conviction.
This brings the total number of cases filed this year for drug offenses to 53 cases. Out of the 53 cases, 23 resulted in convictions, 3 were dismissed and the rest are pending in court. Recently, one of the cases filed was dismissed due to untimely filing by the Attorney General’s Office. [/restrict]