CNMI Customs intercepted 1.1 pounds of crystal meth with a street value of $155,000 on Saipan on July 5th. 6 packages of the drugs were stuffed into a portable speaker that was packaged with clothing. It was sent from Monterey, California through UPS.

“We want people to know that we are trying our best to stop these dangerous drugs, like meth, from entering our islands,” CNMI Customs Director Jose Mafnas said at a press conference on Tuesday.

Mafnas explained that Customs officers found the drugs during a routine inspection on July 5th at the Micronesian Air Cargo warehouse. An arrest was made on Monday of who authorities described as an “Asian national” who picked up the package. The case will be heard in federal court.

CNMI Dept. of Public Safety Commissioner Anthony Macaranas said, “This is some of the success that came into play with the joint effort. I would like to let the people know that we will continue to fight this because these are the things that will destroy family, friends, and even destroy the person.”

The investigation was a joint effort under the Drug Enforcement Task Force, which includes DPS, Customs, and the Dept. of Corrections.

You can watch the full press conference on KUAM’s YouTube Channel.