Police seize drugs, chemicals during search of Tamuning homes

by Mindy Aguon

Guam - Local and federal authorities descended upon two homes in Tamuning early this morning in search of drugs. The bust resulted in two arrests and the discovery of items that may have been used in a drug lab.   

Members of the Guam Police Department's Special Investigation Section, SWAT agents, and Customs and Quarantine as well as agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives executed a search warrant at two homes along Dungca Street in the central village this morning. GPD spokesperson Officer A.J. Balajadia told KUAM News, "They took two individuals into custody, charges are pending and the case is ongoing."   

Balajadia confirms that the two homes belong to one family.  Agents spent more than seven hours at the two residences, going through the rooms and locating crystal methamphetamine and more. "They do have some possible chemicals and some residue that would indicate that there is Ice usage in that residence," he stated.

Because the case is still under investigation, police are limiting the release of specific details but the discovery of chemicals implies that a drug lab may have been present or efforts were underway to build one at the home.  Agents could be seen wearing gloves and conducting what appeared to be various tests on items that were taken from inside the home.

Two people were taken into custody and arrests were anticipated this afternoon, but no information has been released at this time.

Officer Balajadia warns that busts like today are going to be more prevalent as police intend to crack down on the illegal drug business on Guam. "You are going to see an increase of warrants being served and an increase of arrests in regards to narcotics," he said. "We have a serious drug problem on this island and they're going to start making more and more arrests and serving more and more warrants."

And police say that their success in the war on drugs is dependent on cooperation and help from the community. "SIS would like to ask anyone out there in the community who has knowledge of drug houses and drug activity to please call into the Guam Police Department or to Guam Crimestoppers and provide that information," Balajadia added.