FOLLOWING a multi-agency drug raid and immigration enforcement operation on Tuesday, the federal court unsealed an indictment against Dong Han and Yinhua Yang, also known as “Auntie.”
Han and Yang are charged with conspiracy to possess more than five grams of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, within 1,000 feet of an elementary school.
The defendants were arrested during a Homeland Security Investigations or HSI task force raid at their establishment. Smile Massage and Bar, where the alleged illegal activity occurred, is located within walking distance of Garapan Elementary School.
At their initial appearance on Wednesday, both defendants, through their court-appointed attorneys, pleaded not guilty.
Magistrate Judge Heather Kennedy of the District Court for the NMI accepted the pleas and scheduled a jury trial for Sept. 3, 2025, at 10 a.m.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Garth Backe, who is prosecuting the case, informed the court that the Chinese consulate had not yet been notified of the arrests, but said notification would be made. He also requested a three-day continuance as he filed a motion for pretrial detention.
A detention hearing is scheduled for July 8 at 1:30 p.m.
Judge Kennedy also told the parties that Yang may be required to contribute to the cost of her legal representation. Attorney Richard Miller, representing Yang, stated that he is preparing a financial affidavit and will submit it before the detention hearing. Han is represented by attorney Mark Scoggins.
After the hearing, both Han and Yang were remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Background
On May 9, 2025, HSI task force officer Paul Anthony R. Quizon filed a criminal complaint against Han and Yang. According to Quizon, HSI Saipan received information in March 2025 from a cooperating defendant or CD alleging that Dong Han was distributing methamphetamine in the CNMI.
Han was later identified in multiple blind photo lineups by several cooperating defendants. The CD claimed to have purchased meth from Han on multiple occasions at a price of approximately $100 per gram.
The CD also alleged that a Chinese woman known as “Auntie,” later identified as Yinhua Yang, worked with Han in distributing methamphetamine from Smile Bar in Garapan.
“Investigators determined that ‘Auntie’ is Yinhua Yang based on subpoenaed business records, CNMI Department of Public Safety information, and a match in visual appearance between DPS records and surveillance conducted by HSI and the Drug Enforcement Administration,” Quizon said.
Smile Bar, located on the second-floor balcony of a commercial building along Paseo de Marianas, operates as both a social bar and massage parlor.
In April 2025, HSI and its law enforcement partners recorded a meeting between Han and the CD, during which Han allegedly offered to sell methamphetamine for $100 per gram.
On May 9, 2025, the CD participated in a controlled buy operation. Under federal supervision, the CD contacted Yang and was allowed inside Smile Bar. The CD then met Han on the balcony and agreed to purchase $1,000 worth of meth. Han directed the CD to pay Yang, which the CD did, before leaving to await the methamphetamine pickup call.
Quizon stated that Yang was later seen entering the establishment and heading toward the east stairwell. Shortly after, the CD received a call from Yang instructing them to return for pickup. Upon return, Yang told the CD to retrieve the methamphetamine near the stairwell. The CD picked up the package and met with investigators at a predetermined location.
The CD turned over approximately 10.3 grams of a white crystalline substance wrapped in tin foil and concealed inside a cigarette pack. Field testing confirmed it was methamphetamine.
The indictment against Han and Yang also includes forfeiture allegations.
