The Leon Guerrero-Tenorio Administration says years of coordinated drug interdiction work is showing measurable results. On Thursday local and federal partners laid out what progress looks like – and why they say the work is far from over.

The Governor’s Office held a press conference to provide a progress report on Guam's drug interdiction efforts – focused on stopping illegal drugs before they reach our streets. Since 2019, local and federal law enforcement and border protection partners have seized more than 1,000 pounds of methamphetamine and other illicit drugs, symbolically represented by bags of rice.

Governor Lou Leon Guerrero says shortly after taking office in 2018, one of her first meetings was with Guam’s postmaster, as drugs were increasingly entering the island through the mail.  At the time, only one investigator was assigned to the post office – visiting just twice a week. That changed after local officers were deputized to assist in drug interdiction. 

Today, investigators are in post offices five to six days a week.

Lieutenant Governor Josh Tenorio added that inter-agency coordination is producing measurable impact, saying, “So when traffickers see sustained inspections, coordinated task forces, and a strong law enforcement presence, the risk increases....even when drugs are not seized, that presence matters, and it contributes directly to the higher prices we are seeing today.”

Officials point to meth prices as a key indicator. Just a few years ago, meth sold for as little as $50 to $80 per gram. In 2024, prices rose to $80 to $100. By December 2025, prices climbed sharply to $250 to $300 per gram, signaling increased scarcity and risk.

"This is not about declaring victory," stressed the governor. "It is about recognizing progress and committing to keep moving forward.”

Guam Police Department Commander Colonel Joseph Carbullido says enforcement remains aggressive, while Customs and Quarantine director Ike Peredo announced nine additional drug detector dogs are coming online, but noted 100% inspections at the port are not currently feasible. “When you talk about 100% inspections down at the Port, that means we will ground all the containers that are coming in, open each and every box of goods that are coming in. There is no way that we can handle that. That is not the norm for inspections at any customs border," Peredo said.

Federal partners echoed that collaboration is key. Matthew Norfleet, postal inspector/PIO with the USPIS San Francisco Division HQ, said, “Postal Inspectors are very proud of our reputation for team work and there is probably no better example of it in the Postal Inspection Service right now than the GIANT task force here in Guam.”

And assistant special agent in charge, homeland security investigations (Honolulu), said, “Together we’re making a difference. Together we’re making a stronger and better Guam.”

Officials also emphasized recovery resources for those struggling with addiction, reminding the community that enforcement and rehabilitation must move together. “The men and women of GPD and Customs are committed. We live on this island, we love this island, and we are protecting this island the best we can with the resources we have," said Colonel Franklin Gutierrez with Customs.