Overview:
Palau authorities are escalating their fight against methamphetamine trafficking as Justice Minister Olegeriil warns drug dealers the government is coordinating with U.S. and regional partners to track them down. Officials say new smuggling methods and organized international networks are fueling the crisis, prompting a unified national response.
Justice minister warns drug traffickers as government launches coordinated national response
By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang
KOROR, Palau — “My special message to those in our community who like to be involved with drugs — we are coming after you.”
That was the warning from Justice Minister Olegeriil on Wednesday as Palau intensified efforts to confront the growing methamphetamine problem in the country.
“We are working with international and regional and domestic partners, interagency partners of Palau, customs, immigration, rangers — we are working with everybody, and we are coming after you,” the minister said during a press conference held two days earlier.
Olegeriil spoke about discussions held during last week’s mid-biennial Joint Committee Meeting, a working-level session leading up to the full meeting scheduled for October.
The Joint Committee Meeting is held twice a year under Compact of Free Association Title III on security and defense relations. The talks provide a platform for Palau and the United States to discuss cooperation on regional security and defense responsibilities.
Olegeriil said illegal drugs — particularly methamphetamine — were a primary topic during the meeting as authorities in Palau confront rising trafficking and drug use.
The meeting allowed Palau’s law enforcement agencies to meet with representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration, along with other security agencies, to discuss ways to strengthen enforcement capacity.
According to Olegeriil, the discussions focused on improving resources and training to help Palau’s security agencies address drug trafficking networks that now extend beyond the country’s borders.
Officials say the drug trade affecting Palau has reached transnational levels, involving organized criminal groups and new smuggling techniques.
One growing concern raised by the public is the alleged offloading of drugs from ships in open waters before they are transported to shore.
Olegeriil acknowledged that such operations represent a “new and emerging trend” linking Palau’s drug problem to highly organized international criminal networks.
To coordinate the national response, Olegeriil pointed to Executive Order No. 498, signed last month by President Surangel Whipps Jr..
The order created a working group made up of leaders from across Palau’s government. The group is tasked with meeting monthly to develop strategies and coordinate a unified national response to illegal drug use and trafficking.
Officials say the effort is intended to bring together law enforcement, border control agencies and other government partners to strengthen prevention, enforcement and public safety measures as Palau confronts what authorities describe as a growing drug crisis.