An 18-month-long Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force investigation resulted in a huge bust in Saipan this morning. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, federal law enforcement agencies dismantled a drug mob allegedly responsible for illegal drug activity on Guam's neighbor island to the north.

Federal agents arrested Dexter Maratita, Damien Pua, Julita Sablan, Inos Germinaro, and Roque Norita this morning. A press release states that Norita, Germinaro and Sablan were charged with conspiracy to distribute Methamphetamine and possession with the intent to distribute. Pua was charged with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person for selling a Colt .357 revolver to a cooperating source who was working with the DEA and ATF.

Maratita was also charged with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person for selling a Colt .25 handgun to a cooperating source working with the DEA and ATF.

U.S. Attorney Lenny Rapadas praised the aggressive enforcement work of the Federal law enforcement agencies that investigated these cases. "It is one of the Department of Justice's top priorities to get dangerous drugs and illegal guns off the streets," said Rapadas. "The investigative work of the Federal agents who worked on these cases for the past 18 months has been outstanding."

Rapadas indicated that this investigation continues.