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By: Justoria Marie Borja
Koror, Palau (Island Times) – Palau’s top law enforcement official issued an urgent warning about a surge in drug crimes and thefts during an airing of Eco Paradise FM’s “MOJ Family Time” on Thursday, August 8, 2024. The talk show, hosted at the EPFM studios, featured key figures in Palau’s law enforcement community, including Director of Corrections Ricky Ngiraked, Special Assistant for Legal Affairs Asterio Takashi, Lt. John Nabeyama of the Transnational Crime Unit, Acting CID Director John Gabriel, and Patrol and Public Information Officer Favian Ngiramengior.
The Director General of Correctional Services, Richie Ngirakede, stressed that despite the shortage of staff, there has been an alarming increase in drug cases and thefts this year. Ngirakede assured the public that his team is committed to handling the cases and forwarding them to the Office of the Attorney General for prosecution.
John Gabriel, acting director of the Criminal Investigation Bureau, revealed that Palau has reported 93 cases since January 2024, 75% of which involved theft, indicating a growing drug problem. Gabriel, a 25-year veteran police officer, stressed the need for more resources, including X-ray machines and more personnel at the border. His team currently has only six investigators instead of the required 12, handling an average of 15-20 cases per month, most of which are thefts related to the influx of drugs.
Gabriel called on citizens to work with law enforcement to combat the drug crisis, and warned of the growing threat of fentanyl, a potent and deadly drug that has shown up in Guam and could soon spread to Palau.
Lieutenant John Nabeyama also called for enhanced border security, stressing the need for customs to be equipped with an X-ray machine and a dedicated drug interdiction unit. Despite working closely with customs officials, Nabeyama noted that the current anti-drug unit has eight members and needs 14 to 15 members to operate effectively.
Special Assistant for Legal Affairs Asterio Takashi suggested the creation of a dedicated law to deal with the menace of fentanyl. He also assured the public that despite the department’s understaffing challenges, three people are currently under investigation for drug crimes.
Patrol chief and public interest investigator Favian Ngiramengior added that the enforcement unit was handling about 500 criminal cases and 800 traffic violations, with 3,000 responses recorded. He also noted that 10 officers had resigned in the past four years, highlighting the pressure on the unit.
Officials unanimously stressed that more resources and manpower are urgently needed to effectively respond to the rising crime rate. They stressed that government support and public cooperation are essential to address Palau’s growing drug trafficking and theft problems.
The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activity by calling 488-8477. Anonymous reports are welcome and are critical to combating the growing drug crisis and keeping Palau safe.
Meanwhile, Public Safety Director Cary Levitre has been out of the country since March, with appointed acting directors rotating in to designate administrative tasks for the bureau under a memorandum of authority.
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