NEW YORK: U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan commended the Division of Customs for seizing 23 pounds of ice worth $4.2 million, the biggest drug bust in the history of the CNMI.
Sablan handed a U.S. congressional plaque of commendation to Division of Customs Director Jose Mafnas at the lawmaker’s district office in Susupe.
Rep. John Paul Sablan, a former Customs officer, was also present, together with Customs officers.
In an interview, Mafnas said he is grateful for the commendation which, he added, will push them to do their job more effectively.
Mafnas said Customs is also looking forward to acquiring scanners and x-ray machines that are essential in screening cargoes at the ports of entry.
He said the deadline for the Request for Proposals is Friday and whoever is the chosen vendor will provide Customs the much needed machines.
Kilili, for his part, said: “We all owe… law enforcement officials our thanks for their work and that is why we are here this morning.”
But, he added, “The problem of ice will not be solved by one bust. It will take the long-term and constant commitment of everyone in our community. We have to have all hands on deck, not just law enforcement at the ports of entry but in our families, at our places of work and play. We all have to say no and we have to support law enforcement.”
Kilili has worked for federal funding for drug enforcement programs such as Customs K-9 and the $1.6 million for a public safety and victim assistance program.
He said he will also introduce legislation to create a National Guard unit for the Northern Marianas, which could be active in drug interdiction and enforcement efforts.
“So we have lots of work ahead, but today reminds us that we can win this fight,” he added.
